Tht History of
JERICHO
VERMONT
CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
FROM
Cornell University Library
F 59J55 J55
olin
3 1924 028 838 039
Cornell University
Library
The original of tiiis book is in
tine Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028838039
^
H
W
The History of
JERICHO
VERMONT
Edited by
Chauncey H. Hayden, Luther C. Stevens,
LaFayette Wilbur, Rev. S. H. Barnum
ILLUSTRATED
NIMVLUGri Y
[.:UAUY
r\L»J X"!
I
The Free Press Printing Co.
Printers and Binders
Burlington, Vt.
1916
/ know my town and I lote my town,
And I teanl to help it be
As great a town to every one
As it seems to be to me I
I praise my town and I cheer my town.
And I try to spread its fame;
And I know what a splendid thing 'twould be
If you would do the same I
I trust my town and I boost my town,
And I want to do my part
To make it a town that all may praise
From the depths of every heart I
I like my town and I sing my town.
And I want my town to grow;
If I knocked my town or blocked my town.
That wouldn't be nice, you know I
Bebicatfon
The editors respectfully dedicate this History to the citizens
of Jericho; in grateful memory of the Honorable Martin Chitten-
den and the Honorable Asahel Peck, highly esteemed Governors
of this commonwealth and citizens of Jericho while occupying
that exalted position; also in appreciation of His Excellency
the Honorable Charles W. Gates, the present Governor, who in
1890 became united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Hayden
of Jericho.
PREFACE.
The Jericho Town Celebration of 1913 awakened such an
interest in Town Traditions, that the General Committee by vote
instructed the Historical Committee to begin the work of collect-
ing material for a History of Jericho in accordance with the fol-
lowing recommendation:
"It seems desirable to print a book, which shall, in as inter-
esting a manner as possible, treat of the town, representing in
reminiscent style the growth of the town, its schools, churches,
business interests, etc., sketching as may be the lives of prominent
citizens, and treating also the genealogies of all families so far as
accessible, thereby producing a volume of real value to posterity."
The General Committee also directed a writeup of the recent
celebration of 1913, which should give a complete account of each
day's program together with the addresses in full, which instruc-
tion has been carried out in Part Second. The remaining parts
have been worked out by the editors along well defined lines.
The sources of our information have been the Town Records,
the Church Records, and the citizens of the town, especially the
older generation, and information by them preserved. The proc-
ess of gathering this material has been slow, for busy men at
least ; that of verification even more tedious, yet of supreme im-
portance.
It is not always easy to spread traditions upon permanent
records, nor yet to get just the truth out of the misty reports and
tales passed from one generation to another.
Then again our vision may have been limited, and some
really important matters may have been overlooked, because we
are living in a different generation. We have endeavored to
record what is true.
Fully one half the space in this volume has been devoted to
genealogies or the history of the citizens of Jericho. These have
been written by different writers, and in varying style, some con-
taining much of a biographical nature, and are often interspersed
with incidents that have the effect of breaking up the monotonous
succession of dates and other facts, and rendering family history
readable and entertaining.
ii HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
We sincerely wish that the number of illustrations could
have been larger, but due thought and care have been exercised to
select such scenes as will be appreciated for "The Old Associa-
tions" and "Memories."
We desire, at this time, to express our appreciation to the
numerous friends of the History, especially to the members of
the General Committee and the Auxiliary Committee for their
generous and able assistance. Several of the town's writers have
furnished articles upon matters, of which they themselves are
the best authority obtainable. It should be said, in this connec-
tion, that the excerpts from the Jericho Reporter, appearing in
various parts of the volume, are principally from the pen of our
associate editor, Mr. L. C. Stevens. Mr. L. F. Wilbur also, who
began the practice of law in this town nearly 60 years ago, by
reason of his intimate knowledge of the affairs of town, and his
still more intimate acquaintance with the people, as well as by
reason of a particularly retentive memory, has contributed much
that is valuable to this History.
Rev. S. H. Barnum, pastor of the Congregational Church
at Jericho Center, although a resident of town for only eight
years, has likewise rendered most valuable service as a member
of the Historical Committee. The service thus rendered should
be highly esteemed by the citizens of our town, since it has been
a free service.
It will thus be seen that, in reality, this history has many
authors, which fact, in my opinion enriches it with a variety of
style and substance that will favorably impress the reader.
Some duplications occur, because of the numerous writers,
but these, expressed in different language, serve the better to
emphasize the incident.
In our work of research, we have been led to admire the
sturdy characteristics of our ancestors ; they were good neighbors,
interested in schools, churches and town institutions.
Yes, they were noble, brave and true, and more, they were
good. So our inheritance is rich, the homes they struggled so
hard to establish, the cattle upon the hills, the grain and the
fruit, and the other wealth of the town; but the priceless part
of that inheritance is the unaffected, the now almost old fashioned
goodness of these early generations. Edgar A. Guest has written
verses especially appropriate:
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Old-fashioned folks ! God bless 'em all !
The fathers and the mothers,
The aunts an' uncles, fat an' tall.
The sisters an' the brothers.
The good old-fashioned neighbors, too,
The passing time improves 'em.
They will drop in to chat with you.
Whene'er the spirit moves 'em.
The simple, unaffected folks
With gentle ways an' sunny.
The brave and true
That live life through
And stay unspoiled by money.
Old-fashioned folks, of solid worth.
On them a benediction !
The joy and comfort of the earth,
Its strength, without restriction.
The charm of every neighborhood.
The toilers uncomplaining.
The men an' women, pure and good.
Of fine an' honest graining.
The plain and open-hearted folks
That make no fad a passion.
The kind an' fair
That do and dare
An' are not slaves to fashion.
Old-fashioned folks, that live and love
And give their service gladly.
An' deem their neighbors worthy of
Their help when things go badly.
The simple sharers of our joys.
Sweet ministers in sorrow.
They help the world to keep its poise
An' strength for each tomorrow.
The simple, unaffected folks,
That live for all about them,
God bless 'em all,
This earthly ball
Would dreary be without 'em.
iv HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Along with true narration of facts, proper sequence of hap-
penings and exact statements, etc., there may be woven into the
narrative itself, if there be sufficient skill, that which gives the
life-like touch of interest; so ever mindful of the former re-
quisites, we have not been altogether unmindful of the value of a
joke, the exciting episode and the characteristic incident. This
History, as a book of reference, will increase in value as time
goes on.
As the History of Jericho is passed on to the reader it is with
the hope that no one will ever refer to its pages without finding
something of interest ; for the many may it prove what was wanted
and to the citizens of Jericho we hope it will meet your expecta-
tions. We wish the book could have been better. Later other
writers may add another volume and so on in perpetuo. First
then to improve our knowledge of town matters, finally to create
and maintain a healthy and united interest in town institutions,
and the object of this History will be accomplished.
CHAUNCEY H. HAYDEN,
For the Historical Committee.
The other members of the Historical Committee feel that it
is due to Mr. Hayden, who has written the preface and made little
reference to himself, to add that he has not only compiled and
written in his graceful style certain chapters, but as chairman
has given the book a general superintendence, so that whatever
value it has as a finished product should be attributed very largely
to his painstaking and prolonged care. Its advocacy at the out-
set, its arrangement, its illustrations, the decision of a multitude
of little questions which do not appear to the reader, its supervi-
sion as it has gone through the press, have imposed a burden and
responsibility upon a busy man, who has devoted himself assidu-
ously to what we believe is a worthy project.
L. F. WILBUR,
LUTHER C. STEVENS,
S. H. BARNUM.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Part First — Governors and Committeemen.
Chapter I. Portraits and sketches of the Governors. . 1
II. Portraits and sketches of the General Com-
mittee and the Auxiliary Committee. . 4
Part Second — Jericho's Great Celebration.
Chapter I. The Celebration of 1841 10
II. The Charter 14
III. Citizens organize for the Celebration of
1913 19
IV. Exercises of August Third 23
V. Exercises of August Fourth 37
VI. Exercises of August Fifth 38
VII. Exercises of August Sixth 90
VIII. Exercises of Au^st Seventh 101
IX. Finalities 110
Part Third — Historical Jericho.
Chapter I. Interesting Facts from the Early Records. 113
II. Schools 126
III. Town Poor 130
IV. Temperance 134
V. Highways and Bridges 137
VI. Jericho Men as Soldiers 142
VII. Jericho Township 153
VIII. The Freemen of Jericho 156
Part Fourth — Churches of the Town.
Chapter I. The First Baptist Church 173
II. The First Congregational Church 179
III. The Second Congregational Church 205
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VEIRMONT. vi
IV. The Calvary Episcopal Church 211
V. The Methodist Episcopal Church, Under-
hill village 213
VI. Methodist Church, Jericho Comers 217
VII. The UniversaHst Church 219
Part Fifth — Professional Men from Jericho.
Chapter I. Ministers 223
II. Lawyers 230
III. Physicians 233
IV. Teachers 238
V. Civil Engineers 242
VI. Miscellaneous 244
VII. The Higher Schools of the Town 250
Part Sixth.
Village and Business Interests of the Town, Past and
Present 261
Part Seventh.
The Browns 283
Part Eighth — Miscellaneous Subjects.
Chapter I. An Account of the Flood of 1914 299
II. Jericho Town Library 301
III. Grand Army and Relief Corps 304
IV. Fraternities 310
V. Snow Beauties 319
VI. A Ramble about Town 325
Part Ninth.
Maps 341
Part Tenth.
Genealogies Arranged Alphabetically 361
t^--:;?^^f-»'':^l<*^T__
•<^-^-r
Governor, 1813-1815.
PART FIRST.
By C. H. Hayden.
Chapter I.
PORTRAITS AND SKETCHES OF THE GOVERNORS.
HON. MARTIN CHITTENDEN.
By LaFayette Wilbur.
Martin Chittenden was the second son of Thomas Chitten-
den, the illustrious field Governor of Vermont, and was born in
SaHsbury, Conn., March 12th, 1769, and graduated at Dart-
mouth College in 1789. He died Sept. 5th, 1840, in his seventy-
second year, having been for about thirty years employed in pub-
lic service. He was the eighth governor of Vermont. He set-
tled near his brother Noah, in the south part of Jericho on the
Onion River road. While a citizen of Jericho, he ever took a
leading part in everything that pertained to the welfare of the
town. He represented Jericho in the General Assembly eight
years, was clerk of Chittenden County Court four years, Assistant
Judge of the County Court ten years. Judge of the Probate Court
for the District of Chittenden two years, delegate in the Con-
stitutional Conventions in 1791 and in 1793, member of Con-
gress for ten years, from 1803 to 1813, and Governor of Ver-
mont two years, from 1813 to 1815. At the time of both elec-
tions the party spirit ran high between the Federal and Repub-
lican political parties, and in the year 1814 there was no election
by the people and he was made Governor by a vote of the joint
Assembly. The War of 1812 to 1815 was on between the
United States and England which made his position a trying one.
He was criticised for not giving his consent as Governor and
Captain-General for the Vermont militia, as an organization, to
leave the state for the scene of action at Plattsburg. He thought
he was jtistified in his course as his own state was threatened with
invasion by the British army from Canada, but he urged in-
dividuals to join the forces at Plattsburgh to resist the enemy.
He was a man of great ability and made a safe Governor.
2 HISTORY OF JERIGHO, VERMONT.
HON. ASAHEL PECK.
By LaFayette Wilbur.
Hon. Asahel Peck came from a noble line of ancestors. He
was the son of Squire and Elizabeth Goddard Peck and was a
descendant of Joseph Peck, the 21st generation from John Peck
of Belton, Yorkshire County, England. He was born in Royals-
ton, Mass., in September, 1803, and came to Montpelier, Vt.,
about 1811. He prepared for college at the Washington County
Grammar School and took his college course at the U. V. M. at
Burlington. In his senior year he left college to take a course
of study in French in Canada. He' entered upon the study of
the law in the office of his elder brother, Nahum Peck, of Hines-
burgh, and soon after moved to Burlington where all of his pro-
fessional life was spent. He was admitted to the bar at the
March term of the Chittenden County Court in 1832. His up-
right stand as a man and his sound legal judgment were so well
known that he had no lack of clients. His practice grew and his
legal opinions were relied on as the law of the case in hand and
his clients were seldom disappointed. He continued his legal
practice until he was chosen Chief Judge of the County Court for
the third Judicial Circuit of Vermont in 1851, that embraced the
counties of Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille and Grand Isle, and
he held that position until 1857, when a new and different judicial
system was adopted by the state, and he returned to the practice
of the law again. He was not allowed to remain at the bar. The
people knew of his superior legal ability, and the Joint Assembly
of the Vermont Legislature elected him as one of the judges of
the Supreme Court in 1861, and he held that position until he
resigned that office on the 31st day of August, 1874, and was
elected Governor of the state the next day and held that office
for two years. For several years previous to his election as
Governor he resided upon his farm located in the south part of
Jericho, and wds a resident of Jericho until his death May 18th,
1879. He was buried in the family lot at Hinesburgh. He never
was married. His leading and superior abilities were recog-
nized by the educational institutions of the state. He received
the degree of A. B. from the University of Vermont and was
made LL. D. by Middlebury College in 1874.
y
I '
^^^^^o^^Z^ ^
QovEBNOE, 1874-1876.
Gov. Charles Winslow Gates, 1915-1916 and His Wife
Maky E. Hayden Gates.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 3
Judge Peck was a man that the younger members of the
legal profession were accustomed to go to for advice to aid them
to solve intricate questions. He was one of the kindest of men
and seemed to enjoy talking with the younger members of the
bar on the questions of law and practice, and had a desire to help
them rather than to block their road to success.
The late Rufus Choate, one of the eminent lawyers of Mas-
sachusetts, met Mr. Peck as antagonist in a trial of an important
case in the Supreme Court of the United States, and at its con-
clusion was so astonished to find "such a lawyer in Vermont,"
that he went to Mr. Peck and urged him to remove to Boston,
assuring him that both fame and fortune would come to him.
He did not see fit to make the change, but fame and a consider-
able fortune came to him in Vermont. Mr. Peck represented
Chittenden County in the State Senate in 1851. He was nomi-
nated as Governor of Vermont at the Republican State Con-
vention of 1874, and duly elected for that office. And the state
was honored by electing him as Governor of the state.
It is the consensus of opinion of the people of the state that
he was one of the best Governors that Vermont ever had —
thoroughly independent, prudent in every act, and carefully in-
specting the minutest details of every question presented for his
official approval. He was one of Vermont's noblest citizens, an
able and upright judge and a safe Governor.
HON. CHARLES GATES.
Charles Winslow Gates was b. in Franklin, Vt., Jan. 12,
1856. Educated in the public schools of that town, graduating
from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1880. He taught the high
school of Franklin several years and afterwards engaged in
mercantile business. On April 9, 1890 he married Mary E.
Hay den, Jericho, Vt. In 1886 he received his first appointment
from the town of Franklin as road commissioner and built a
piece of permanent highway that is in excellent condition today.
In 1898 he represented his town in the House, and in 1900 his
county in the Senate. Mr. Gates was appointed State Highway
Commissioner in 1904, which position he occupied with con-
spicuous ability for 10 years. In Nov., 1914 he was elected
4 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Governor. June 30, 1915 he received from the University of
Vermont the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
His wife Mary Elizabeth Hayden was b. in Bakersfield,
Vt., Mar. 12, 1860. Educated in the public schools of Bakers-
field, Cambridge and Jericho, graduated from St. Johnsbury
Academy in 1882, and in 1886 received the degree of A. B. from
Wellesley College. She taught school at Wheaton Seminary,
Moody School, Northfield and at Essex Classical Institute. Her
demise occurred May 22, 1913.
Chapter H.
MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE AND THE
AUXILIARY COMMITTEE, THEIR PHOTO-
GRAPHS TOGETHER WITH BRIEF
SKETCHES OF THEIR LIVES.
BuEL H. Day, President.
Mr. Day was b. in Jericho Feb. 13, 1844. Educated in
the public schools of town. Underbill Academy, later graduating
from Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He
m. Mary B. Whitcomb July 3, 1866. Became associated with
Edward S. Whitcomb, Jr., in business at Riverside in 1865, was
selectman for 6 years, and represented the town in the Legislature
of 1872, and was senator from Chittenden Co. in 1884. Mr. Day
moved to New York City in 1888, and engaged in mercantile
business, accumulating a goodly fortune. In 1910 he returned to
Jericho. His business activities are spoken of more fully in the
Day genealogy.
Note. — While the above was being put in type, occurred the
death of Mr. Day our honored President, Oct. 25, 1915, having at-
tained the age of 72 years. Great grief comes over his associates
as they realize the loss sustained in his demise.
Chauncey H. Hayden, Vice-President and Treasurer.
Mr. Hayden was b. in Bakersfield, Vt., Mar. 31, 1857. Edu-
cated in the public schools, and Spaulding Academy and Essex
BxJEL Harwood Day.
President of General Committee.
Chairman of Committee on
Pageant. Chairman Committee
on Printing. Town Representa-
tive in 1872. Senator in 1884.
Mary B. Day.
Member of Auxiliary Committee.
Member of Committee on Pag-
eant. Member of Children's
Committee.
Eugene B. Jordan.
Secretary of General Committee.
Chairman Committee on
Sacred Concert. Town Repre-
sentative in 1898. Town Clerk
for 31 years.
Chauncey Hoyt Hayden.
Vice-President and Treasurer of
General Committee. Chairman
of Historical Committee.
Chairman of Banquet Com-
mittee. Town Representative
in 1906,
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 5
Classical Institute. Graduated from the University of Vermont
in 1883, receiving the degree of Master of Arts in 1886. He m.
M. Alice Lane, Nov. 25, 1886.
Was principal of Underbill Academy, Hinesburg Academy,
Essex Junction Graded School, Essex Classical Institute and
Underbill Graded School. Served as superintendent of schools in
Jericho for 3 years and in Essex for 4 years. Has also conducted
business interests since 1894, general merchandise and undertak-
ing. Has been selectman, also lister and was representative from
Jericho in the Legislature of 1906. (See Hayden genealogy).
Mr. Eugene B. Jordan, Secretary.
Eugene B. Jordan was b. in Winooski, Vt., Feb. 27, 1863.
Educated in the public schools, finished with a course in the busi-
ness college. Moved to Jericho in 1884, at which time his older
brother Henry formed with him a partnership under the firm title
of Jordan Bros., doing an excellent general merchandise business
until the present time. Has held many positions of responsibility ;
has been town clerk since 1884, a period of 32 years. Mr. Jordan
represented Jericho in the Legislature of 1898. (See Jordan
genealogy) .
Mr. LaFayette Wilbur.
Mr. Wilbur was b. in Waterville, May 15, 1834. Educated
in the public schools, attending the academies at Bakersfield, Fair-
fax, Underbill Center and Morrisville. Taught school in Fairfax,
Underbill and Elmore. Studied law and was admitted to the bar
in 1856. Commenced the practice of law in Jericho in Jan., 1857.
With the exception of a few years spent in Burlington has since
resided in town. Has held many positions of trust and responsi-
bility. Has devoted much time in the interest of the town
library. Has edited the life of LaFayette Wilbur and family
genealogy, one volume, and the early History o,f Vermont in four
volumes. He m. Mercy Jane Morse, Jan. 9, 1861. (See Wilbur
genealogy) .
Mr. Luther C. Stevens.
Mr. Luther C. Stevens was b. in Underbill Jan. 24, 1845, was
educated in the public schools and Underbill Center Academy,
2
6 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
afterwards graduating from Burlington High School. As a
young niah was always scholarly and greatly interested in edu-
cational matters. For about 30 years Mr. Stevens has served as
a school director in Jericho, giving freely of his time and genius,
and now has the satisfaction of seeing the public school system
equal to that in any of the neighboring towns. Mr. Stevens is
also a writer of ability. (See Stevens genealogy).
Rev. Samuel Horace Barnum.
Rev. Samuel H. Barnum was b. in West Springfield, Mass.,
April 7, 1852. Educated in New Haven, Conn., graduated at
Yale in 1875, and at Yale Theological Seminary in 1879. He
was ordjined to the Christian ministry, April 25, 1883. Mr.
Barnum m., July 13, 1882, Miss S. Pauline Little, dau. of Thos.
D. and Susan Smith Little of Salisbury, N. H.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnum settled in Jericho in 1907, and he is
the pastor of the First Congregational Church at Jericho Center.
He is a preacher of recognized ability, an excellent pastor and an
exceptionally clear and entertaining writer. (See Barnum
genealogy) .
Mr. Frank S. Jackson.
Mr. Jackson was b. in Jericho Dec. 20, 1859. Educated in
the public schools, attended Underbill Academy and Essex Qassi-
cal Institute. Remained with his parents upon the farm until
the demise of his mother in 1894. After this the farm was
rented and Mr. Jackson engaged in the lumber business in Mass.,
where he continued until 1912, when he returned to the home
farm, which he has since managed. Early in life Mr. Jackson
held positions of trust, being selectman several years, and in 1914
was elected representative to the Legislature, in which capacity
he served the town well. (See Jackson genealogy).
Rev. a. H. Sturges.
Mr. Sturges was b. in Fairfield, Vt., April -7, 1864. Edu-
cated in the public schools, the Select Schools, East Fairfield, and
Brigham Academy, Bakersfield. Studied for the ministry under
the direction of the Vermont Conference of the Methodist Episco-
LiUTHEE CaTLIN StEVEXS.
Member of General Committee.
Member of Historical Com-
mittee. Chairman Committee
on Markers. Chairman Chil-
dren's Committee School Com-
mitteeman for a decade.
Rev. Sa:iiuel Horace Barnum.
Member of General Committee.
Member of Historical Com-
mittee. Chairman of Com-
mittee on Church Services.
Chairman of Old Home Day
Committee.
Rev. a. H. Stx'roes.
Member ot the General Com-
mittee. Member of the Com-
mittee on Church Services.
Member of Old Home Day Com-
mittee.
Praxk S. Ransom.
Member of the General Com-
mittee. Member of Committee
on Markers. Member of Com-
mittee on Old Home Day.
Town Representative in 1912.
Theodore Bailey Williams.
Member of General Committee. Member of Committee on Floats and
Pageants. Member of School Board.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 7
pal Church. He was licensed to preach in 1899 and was sent
to Binghamville, where he remained seven years. His next
charge was Underhill and Jericho, this being the eighth year on
this charge. Few pastors have ever given better satisfaction
than Mr. Sturges. He m. Miss Alma F. McGovern, Oct. 30,
1884. (See Sturges genealogy).
Mr. Frank S. Ransom.
Mr. Frank S. Ransom was b. in Jericho, Jan. 8, 1857. Edu-
cated in the public schools and Jericho Academy. He is an
architect and contractor. Mr. Ransom served as road commis-
sioner for Jericho several years, was selectman for 3 years and is
at present lister. He represented the town in the Legislature of
1912. First m. Ida M. Doty, June 2, 1880, now deceased. Mr.
Ransom m. Miss Mary L. Church, Jan. 20, 1886. (See Ransom
genealogy) .
Mr. Theodore Bailey Williams.
Theodore B. Williams was b. in Jericho, Aug. 14, 1888.
Educated in the public schools and Essex Classical Institute, and
graduated from the University in 1909. He has since been as-
sociated with his father in the lumber business. Mr. Williams
was elected school director in 1910. Is a young man of great
promise.
Mrs. Mary Bass Day.
Mary Bass Whitcomb was b. in Fairfax, Vt., Jan. 20, 1846.
When two years of age her parents bought and moved to the
farm and store in Jericho. She received her education in the
public schools and the Underhill Academy. Then taught school
and assisted her parents until her marriage.
Mrs. Day has a gift for sketching and painting and several
of her productions adorn the walls of her beautiful home. She,
as she often affirms, has found greater inspiration in caring for
the children, who have come her way, "who needed mothering."
After her own boys, the nephews and grandchildren, seven, who
had been suddenly bereft of their own parents have thus found a
home and mother's care with her many years, because she es-
teemed the rearing and caring for children and caring for their
8 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
immortal souls of far greater importance than accomplishments
in art.
Mrs. Sarah C. Brown.
Sarah C. Ransom was b. in Jericho, Vt., March 19, 1859.
Educated in the public schools and Jericho Academy. Was first
m. to Mr. Harrison Packard, who d. Nov. 14, 1906. July 27,
1908, she m. Mr. Oliver H. Brown. Mrs. Brown has always re-
sided in town, and has been a tireless worker in church, mission-
ary and other organizations.
Mrs. Jennie R. Williams.
Jennie Rawson was b. in Jericho, Nov. 9, 1856, was educated
in the public schools and Underbill Academy, afterwards doing
special work at Goddard Seminary. Oct. 19, 1882, she was m.
to Mr. Enos Bailey Williams. Mrs. Williams has always lived
in town, and has ever manifested a lively interest in community
affairs, is a capable musician and an excellent writer.
Mrs. Medora B. Schweig.
Medora Burdick was b. in Jericho, Aug. 31, 1860. Received
her education in the public schools, and the Underbill Academy.
Early in life she developed fondness for the drama. For years
she has contributed much of her time and ability to training the
young people of our town for appearance in local plays, etc.
She was m. to Mr. Ernest. Gustav Schweig, Sept. 27, 1882, a
lawyer of good standing in New York City, where he d., Dec. 5th,
1898.
Mrs. Ethel Galusha Hawley.
Ethel Galusha was b. May 6th, 1873. Educated in the
public schools of Jericho, and graduated from Johnson Normal
School in 1891. She afterwards specialized at Vermont Acad-
emy, Saxtons River. She taught school in Jericho, and became
united in m. with Mr. Burton C. Hawley in December, 1894.
Mrs. Hawley is a fine soprano singer, and has the distinction
of being the great great granddau. of Governor Chittenden, trac-
ing her lineage back dually through each of her grandfathers.
Medora Burdick EcirwEio.
Sadie C. Brown.
Member of the Auxiliary Com- Member of the Auxiliary Com-
mittee. Member of the Com- mittee. Chairman of the Com-
mittee on Pageant. Member of mittee on Dramatic Entertain-
•the Banquet Committee. ment. Member of Banquet Com-
mittee.
Jennie Rawson Williams.
Member of the Auxiliary Committee.
Member of the Committee on Evening Musical Entertainment.
Ethel Galusha Hawley. C!oba Willet Chapin.
Member of Auxiliary Committee. Member of the Auxiliary Com-
Chainaan of the Committee on mittee. Member of tbe Corn-
Evening Musical Entertainment. mittee on Old Home Day. Mem-
Member of Banquet Committee. ber of Banquet Committee.
LiNNiB Curtis Buzzell.
Member of Auxiliary Committee.
history of jericho, vermont. 9
Mrs. Cora W. Chapin.
Cora M. Willey was b. in Sutton, P. Q., in 1867. She went
to a rural school in Canada until 14 years of age, after which she
attended the village school two years. She then attended "Maple-
wood School," a private school taught by Prof, and Mrs. Thomas ;
and afterwards specialized in French and music.
She taught school in Westford and Underbill with notable
success. In 1892, she was united with Mr. Lucian H. Chapin
in marriage. Mrs. Chapin has ever evinced a deep interest in
church work and in the schools of our town.
Mrs. Harriet Higgins.
Harriet Hovey, dau. of Dr. Frederick Freeman and Harriet
Field Hovey was b. in Jericho, Vt. Educated in the public
schools, Barre Academy, and Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She was
m. to Charles F. Higgins of Springfield, Mass., where they re-
sided until his demise, since which Mrs. Higgins has spent much
of her time in Jericho. Capable as a musician and writer, Mrs.
Higgins has been of great service to the community.
Mrs. Linnie C. Buzzell.
Linnie Curtis, dau. of Wilson R. and Sophia Bullock Curtis,
was b. in Jericho in 1882. She was educated in the public schools,
specializing in music at Montreal.
She became united with Mr. Max A. Buzzell in m. in 1908.
Mrs. Buzzell is prominent in church work, and has especial talent
as a singer.
10 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
PART SECOND.
JERICHO'S GREAT CELEBRATION.
By C. H. Hayden.
Chapter I.
THE CELEBRATION OF 1841,
REMEMBERED AS THE TEMPERANCE CELEBRATION.
Mrs. Homer Rawson, an octogenarian and a lifelong resident
of the town, gave the editor of The Reporter the following de-
scription of that event, which was pubHshed in May, 1913, from
which we quote.
"While we today deplore the drink habit, it should be cheer-
ing to us to know that it is not so universal a custom, as it was in
the early years of the last century. A perusal of the day-book of
a merchant in town, John Fassett by name, at that period shows
that seventy-five per cent, of his sales were spirituous liquors.
People who were contemporary of the man whose fortune made
possible the two fine hospitals in our county, the Mary Fletcher
and the Fanny Allen, always said that the foundation of his
fortune was laid as a merchant in the town of Essex.
"In those days the leading occupation was lumbering. Ox
teams drew the great pines to Burlington, where they were
shipped down the lake to Montreal to be converted into masts
for the King's navy. The lumbermen's thirst was always
quenched at the Essex store, 'where rum and molasses were an
inch on the counter.'
"Those conditions which were wide-spread in the land, led
to the Temperance Movement, which in 1841 was at its zenith.
"Preparatory to the event a liberty pole was raised on the
Congregational Church green. During the process of its erec-
tion by perspiring townsmen Dr. Secretary Rawson walked by.
He was a stanch Democrat and inquired, 'Which end of the
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 11
pole is Whigery?' Lawyer Hill an enthusiastic Whig replied,
'The top — — — ' with much emphasis. Accepting his ver-
sion the old Doctor continued his way to the post office. While
there a violent thunder storm with a high wind for a time pre-
vailed, and on retracing his steps homeward he found that the
wind had broken off the top part of the pole! It's needless to
say the 'tables were well turned.'
"A new pole was forthcoming for the great day, which was
inaugurated by a grand parade. Col. Frederick Fletcher was the
marshal, and a figure which awakened the keenest admiration.
His mount was a dappled grey, and his costume a blue coat, white
pants, blue sash and ruffled shirt, with the high black stove-pipe
hat then in vogue. There were twenty-four states at that time
in the Union and they were represented by twenty-four young
couples: George Howe, Luther Prouty, Rollin Galusha, Law-
rence Bliss, Leet Bishop, Elisha Ford, Russell White, George
Fennel, Edgar Lane, John H. ? Tower, Jr., and the fair young
girls: Rosamond Howe, Ellen Galusha, Mary Howe, Fanny
Prouty, Philura and Philinda Ford were among them.
"The young men were dressed in black coats, white pants
and vests, high standing collar and stock, and the tall stove-pipe
hat and their fair partners wore white dresses with wreaths on
their heads.
"The banquet was spread on tables built on the church green,
where the young men had planted young trees cut in the woods
the day previous and set in rows to shade the tables. The menu
was most bountiful : roast pigs, whole boiled hams and rice pud-
dings so big they filled sugar tubs, were served among other good
things. Fred Hill, an able, lawyer of our town, eminently fitted
for the place, acted as toastmaster, and the post-prandial exer-
cises were responded to by all the local celebrities.
"The president of the day was Judge John H. Tower of
Underbill, a notable character. He was the possessor of the
most imposing physique, being over six feet in height, quite
portly, and always dressed in shiny black broadcloth and the
high hat. He had held all the offices his townsmen could bestow,
having been a Representative and side Judge. A whole volume
might have been written of his peculiar use of the King's Eng-
lish. Therefore, it was no surprise to his friends that from his
12 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
station in the high pulpit in the old church as he announced the
order of the exercises, he should say, 'Now we'll have sing-
ing by the core !'
"Ray Hard, a young law student of Mr. Hill's, read the
Declaration of Independence. J. Sullivan Adams of Burlington,
was the leading orator of the day. How eloquent his address,
the singing so grand by the large choir led by the wonderful
tenor, Arthur Castle, who was then in young manhood vigor!
No wind or stringed instrument led that band, but with tuning
fork in hand he brought Heaven's own harmony to earthly ears."
Then the writer adds this exhortation respecting the ap-
proaching celebration :
"If it was possible for our town when only half its present
age, to have a celebration that made memories that lasted
seventy-two years, does it not behoove us, their children and
grand-children, to do as worthily? The celebration in August is
for no person's glory and exaltation, but the town's. And if the
town is yours by birth or adoption, it is your town. These are
days when many towns are celebrating anniversaries, and let us
not be ashamed of our town's ISOth birthday. There are many
expenses to be met, which the town's appropriation will not
cover, and by generous aid and patronage only can the de-
ficiencies be met."
The following excerpts are from a personal letter to myself
written by Dea. Truman B. Barney, late of Ada, Oklahoma,
but for about 70 years a resident of Jericho, respecting the same
celebration.
"I was then eight years old and remember the celebration
quite well. It had become a very common custom for most
families to keep liquors in the house and to invite everyone who
called to take something to drink; and even most of the min-
isters when calling on their parishioners were in the habit of
accepting the invitation. By this habit a great many had ac-
quired a strong love of liquors and many formed the habit of
drinking to excess. Then some of the best people became aware
of the great danger and began to form Temperance Societies.
Some good speakers were sent out and meetings were held to
arouse the people generally.^ In Jericho, Underbill and the sur-
rounding towns there was much interest manifested. A noted
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 13
Temperance Lecturer from New York (I think) who called him-
self the 'Reformed Wood Sawer' came and spoke to crowded
houses. He was a very interesting man and had a wonderful
influence among the people in stirring them up to the Temper-
ance work. Societies were formed, pledges drawn up, and great
numbers rescued from the miserable drink habit. I remember
the great meetings very well, and just how the Wood Sawer
looked, up in that little high pulpit between the front ends of
the circular gallery in the brick church at Jericho Comers. He
was rather a stocky built man of good appearance, had a fine clear
voice and a most powerful magnetic influence over his audience.
He said he had followed the life of a Wood Sawer in the city
for years, going from house to house to saw and fit stove wood,
and falling into the general custom of drinking, became greatly
demoralized, but was finally aroused to a sense of his condition
and fully reformed.
"Col. Frederick Fletcher, who was the marshal at the great
meeting, then lived at Underbill Flats, and owned a nice brick
house and bam on the comer where the brick store now stands.
He was my father's cousin by marriage with the Chittenden
family. Being quite rich he always had a nice uniform and a
spirited horse and was a splendid officer. He was Colonel of one
of our Vermont uniformed militia regiments, and knew very well
how to manage a large procession so as to make it appear to good
advantage. Brigadier General Orvill Shaw, who commanded the
Vermont brigade of the uniformed militia at that time, was an-
other prominent officer in the great temperance meetings. He
then owned and lived on the farm where Mr. B. C. Hawley now
lives. His son John B. and daughter Ellen M. were about my
age and schoolmates for several years. General Shaw was also
a splendid officer. He had command of the troops called out by
the governor to squelch the great Paddy rebellion at Richmond
on the fourth of July during the building of the Vermont Cen-
tral R. R., and succeeded in handling them so well that no lives
were lost, although the Paddys made a great show with their shal-
lalahs (or shillalahs), and things looked rather dubious just
before the troops made their charge. As they marched up to
charge with fixed bayonets, Denison Monroe, one of the drum-
mers of the Jericho and Underbill company, thought a drum
14 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
would be a queer thing to fight a big Irishman and a big shillalah
with, and so took a convenient position behind a large tree and
was made the butt of many a joke for a long time.
"Judge David Fish of Jericho was also prominent in the
Temperance work. He had charge of seating the people, and was
an excellent hand to manage large gatherings and keep good
order. He knew every one and knew just where to place them.
The most of the reformations under the influence of the Wood
Sawer were permanent.
"Old Judge John H. Tower, a merchant at Underbill, had
several barrels of liquor and cider in his store cellar, and he de-
cided he would never sell another drop, nor sleep until he had
emptied it all on the cellar bottom. So you see the great temper-
ance work of those days was worth celebrating and is worth re-
membering in the town history."
It seemed very desirable to make permanent record of so
important an event as the above described celebration, because of
its meaning to the people of those days ; and also in memory of
the men, women, and families therein referred to, many of whom
became very prominent in town and county affairs.
Chapter II.
THE CHARTER.
A true copy of the charter, together with the subscribers to
the same as issued by Benning Wentworth, June 7, 1763, is given
below.
JERICHO.
*2 — 33 *Province of New-Hampshire.
Jerico GEORGE the Third,
P. S.
By the Grace of God, of Great-Britain, France and
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith &c.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 15
To all Persons to whom these Presents shall come.
Greeting.
Know ye, that We of Our special Grace, certain Knowledge,
and meer Motion, for the due Encouragement of settling a New
Plantation within our said Province, by and with the Advice of
our Trusty and Well-beloved Benning Wentworth, Esq; Our
Governor and Commander in Chief of Our said Province of
New-Hampshire in New-England, and of our Council of the
said Province; HAVE upon the Conditions and Reservations
herein after made, given and granted, and by these Presents, for
us, our Heirs, and Successors, do give and grant in equal Shares,
unto Our loving Subjects, Inhabitants of Our said Province of
New-Hampshire, and Our other Governments, and to their
Heirs and Assigns for ever, whose names are entered on this
Grant, to be divided to and amongst them into Seventy two equal
Shares, all that Tract or Parcel of Land situate, lying and being
within our said Province of New-Hampshire, containing by
Admeasurement, 23040 Acres, which Tract is to contain Six
Miles square, and no more ; out of which an Allowance is to be
made for High Ways and unimprovable Lands by Rocks, Ponds,
Mountains and Rivers. One Thousand and Forty Acres free,
according to a Plan and Survey thereof made by Our said Gover-
nor's Order, and returned into the Secretary's Office, and here-
unto annexed, butted and bounded as follows. Viz. Beginning
at the Southerly or South Easterly Corner of Essex at the
Northerly side of Onion or French River (so called) from thence
Easterly up. said River so far as to make Six Miles on a straight
Line, allowing the same to be Perpendicular with the South
Easterly Line of said Essex from thence Northerly a Parralell
Line with the south Easterly line of said Essex six Miles from
thence Westerly about six Miles to the North Easterly corner of
said Essex, from thence southerly by the Easterly Line of said
Essex Six Miles to the place begun at — And that the same be,
and hereby is Incorporated into a Township by the Name of
Jerico And the Inhabitants that do or shall hereafter inhabit
the said Township, are hereby declared to be Enfranchized with
and Intitled to all and every the Priviledges and Immunities that
other Towns within Our Province by Law Exercise and Enjoy :
And further, that the said Town as soon as there shall be Fifty
16 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Families resident and settled thereon, shall have the Liberty of
holding Two Fairs, one of which shall be held on the
And the other on the
annually, which Fairs are not to continue longer than the re-
spective
following the said and that as
soon as the said Town shall consist of Fifty
Families, a Market may be* opened and kept one
or more Days in each Week, as may be thought most *2 — 434
advantagious to the Inhabitants. Also, that the first
Meeting for the Choice of Town Officers, agreable to the Laws
of our said Province, shall be held on the 14th July next which
said Meeting shall be Notified by Mr. John Burling who is here-
by also appointed the Moderator of the said first meeting, which
he is to Notify and Govern agreable to the Laws and Customs
of our said Province; and that the annual Meeting for ever
hereafter for the Choice of such Officers for the said Town,
shall be on the second Tuesday of March annually, To Have
and to Hold the said Tract of Land as above expressed, to-
gether with all Priviliges and Appurtenances, to them and their
respective Heirs and Assigns forever, upon the following Con-
ditions, viz.
I. That every Grantee, his Heirs or Assigns shall plant
and cultivate five Acres of Land within the Term of five Years
for every fifty Acres contained in his or their Share or Propor-
tion of Land in said Township, and continue to improve and
settle the same by additional Cultivations, on Penalty of the
Forfeiture of his Grant or Share in the said Township, and of
its reverting to Us, our Heirs and Successors, to be by Us or
Them Regranted to such of Our Subjects as shall effectually
settle and cultivate the same.
II. That all white and other Pine Trees within the said
Township, fit for Masting Our Royal Navy, be carefully pre-
served for that Use, and none to be cut or felled without Our
special License for so doing first had and obtained, upon the
Penalty of the Forfeiture of the Right of such Grantee, his
Heirs and Assigns, to Us, our Heirs and Successors, as well as
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 17
being subject the Penalty of any Act or Acts of Parliament that
now are, or hereafter shall be Enacted.
III. That before any Division of the Land be made to and
among the Grantees, a Tract of Land as near the Centre of the
said Township as the Land will admit of, shall be reserved and
marked out for Town Lots, one of which shall be alloted to
each Grantee of the Contents of one Acre.
IV. Yielding and paying therefor to Us, our Heirs and
Successors for the Space of ten Years, to be computed from the
Date hereof, the Rent of one Ear of Indian Corn only, on the
twenty-fifth Day of December annually, if lawfully demanded,
the first pa3mient to be made on the twenty-fifth Day of Decem-
ber, 1763.
V. Every Proprietor, Settler or Inhabitant, shall yield and
pay unto Us, our Heirs and Successors yearly, and every Year
forever, from and after the Expiration of ten Years from the
abovesaid tWenty-fifth Day of December, namely, on the twenty-
fifth Day of December, which will be in the Year of our Lord
1773 One shilling Proclamation Money for every Hundred Acres
he so owns, settles or possesses, and so in Proportion for a
greater or lessor tract of the said Land; which Money shall be
paid by the respective Persons abovesaid, their Heirs or Assigns,
in our Council Chamber in Portsmouth or to such Officer or
OfiScers as shall be appointed to receive the same ; and this to be
in Lieu of all other Rents and Services whatsoever.
In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of our
said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness Benning Went-
WORTH, Esq; Our Governor and Commander in Chief of Our
said Province, the Seventh Day of June In the Year of our
Lord Christ, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty three
And in the Third Year of Our Reign.
By His Excellency's Command,
With Advice of Council,
fT Atkinson Junr Secry
Prow New Hampr June 7th 1763
Recorded According to the Original Charter under the
Prov^ Seal
1[ T Atkinson Junr S&cry
18
HISTORY OP JERIC!HO, VERMONT.
*2— 435 *The Names of the Grantees of Jerico (Viz)
Edwd Burling
Thos Burling
Saml Burling
John Sackett
John Sackett Junr
John Wiggins
Willm Wiggins
Willm Latham
Lancaster Burling
Amos Dodge Junr
James Jarvis
Charles Jarvis
Philip Brasher
Willm D Peyster Junr
Barnard De Forcest
Amos Underhill Junr
Soloman Underhill
Saml Laurence
Thos Grenell
William Mercier
John Burling
John Bowne
Nichs H Bogart
Jereah Martine
Peter Tetard
Charles Davis
John Davis
James McCreedy
Henry Matthews
CoUo Saml Barr
Dr John Hale
James Burling
Walter Burling
Benja Burling
James Sackett Junr
Danl Wiggins
Danl Wiggins Junr
Benja Wiggins
Danl Latham
Amos Dodge
Arthur Jarvis
James Jarvis Junr
Benja Bill
Abrm Brasher
Morris Earle
John Bates
David Underhill
Edmd Underhill
James Laurence
Thos Grenell Junr
John Dyer Mercier
Philip Burling
John Vermilye
John Martine
John Guerinaux
Saml Gillat
Stephen Davis
James Davis
John Cornell of Flushing
Saml Averil
Joseph Blanchard
Benja Jarvis
Thos Grenell Senr;
Hon John Temple, Theo: Atkinson, Mk H^ Wentworth Esqrs.
His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr a Tract of Land
to Contain Five Hundred Acres as marked B — W — in the Plan
which is to be Accounted two of the within Shares, One whole
share for the Incorporated Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel in Foreign Parts, One Share for a Glebe for the Church
HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT. 19
of England as by Law Establish'd, One Share for the First
settled Minister of the Gospel, & One Share for the benefit of a
School in said Town —
Province of New Hampr June 7th 1763
Recorded according to the Back of the Original Charter of
Jericho under the Vtov Seal
If T Atkinson Jun Secry
Chapter III.
CITIZENS ORGANIZE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF
1913.
The Town Celebration had its inception in an article in the
warning for March meeting 1913, which had been prepared by
the Town Clerk, Hon. E. B. Jordan, and which reads as follows :
"To see if the Town will take any action regarding the Cele-
bration of the 150th Anniversary of the granting of the Charter
of the Town."
After discussion it was voted to celebrate the ISOth An-
niversary, which would occur June 7, 1913 ; and a committee of
ten voters was duly elected to have general charge of the ar-
rangements. They were given power to fill vacancies in the
committee and also to appoint sub-committees, all to serve with-
out compensation.
It was also voted to authorize the selectmen to grant an
appropriation, not to exceed $150.00, for use of the Committee
towards defraying the expenses of said celebration. The in-
terim from March to the time of the celebration was utilized by
the General Committee, in meetings for discussion of the var-
ious features of the proposed celebration in making necessary
preparations. Much interest developed respecting time, place,
duration of celebration and means for entertainment. How ar-
dently all these matters were discussed, even to the minutest de-
tails !
20 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Three villages in the town and varying interests, change the
situation from that of towns having only one village and a united
interest. At first there were spirited debates, but soon selfish
interests began to yield to generous rivalry and fair play. A
better mood predominated in committee discussions and town
interests gained the ascendency.
Not imitating other towns in an extravagant pageant or
in the attempt to crowd all into a one day's program, the com-
mittee planned within their means, using town resources and
native ability, with due consideration to her various interests,
with results that far exceeded expectation, a schedule of events
covering five days at the different villages affording all who
participated great delight and satisfaction.
Even at this short range, the memories are all exceedingly
pleasant. It was a succession of choice events, admirably exe-
cuted, historical, reminiscent, and spectacular. The preparation
had been tedious, the results amazing, and all that need be
added is that "This was Jericho's way."
Following will be found the various committees.
The General Committee. Elected by the voters.
Buel H. Day, chairman; Chauncey H. Hayden, vice-chair-
man and treasurer; Eugene B. Jordan, secretary; La Fayette
Wilbur, Luther C. Stevens, Rev. S. H. Barnum, Frank S. Jack-
son, Rev. A. H. Sturges, Frank S. Ransom, Theodore B. Wil-
liams.
Auxiliary. Chosen by the General Committee.
Mary B. Day, Sadie C. Brown, Jennie R. Williams, Medora
Schweig, Ethel G. Hawley, Cora W. Chapin, Harriet Higgins,
Linnie C. Buzzell.
The Historical Committee.
Chauncey H. Hayden, Luther C. Stevens, La Fayette Wil-
bur, and Rev. S. H. Barnum.
Sub.-Committee on Church Services.
Rev. S. H. Barnum, Rev. A. H. Sturges, Rev. William Cash-
more, and Rev. C. A. Nutting.
Sub-Committee on Sacred Concert.
Eugene B. Jordan, Mrs. Ethel G. Hawley, Mrs. Linnie C. Buzzell,
Fred A. Percival, Rev. William Cashmore, Frank M. Hoskins,
Mrs. J. H. Safford, Park H. Brown, and Mrs. Ira Thorpe.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 21
Sub-Committee on Dramatic Entertainment.
Mrs. Medora Schweig, Chauncey H. Hayden, and Frank S.
Remsom.
Sub-Committee on Old Home Day.
Rev'. S. H. Barnum, La Fayette Wilbur, Rev. A. H. Sturges,
Eugene B. Jordan, Mrs. Cora W. Chapin, and Frank S. Ransom.
Sub-Committee on Loan Exhibits.
Mrs. Harriet H. Higgins, Mrs. Medora Schweig, Mrs. Cora
W. Chapin, Mrs. Fred S. Tomlinson, Mrs. M. Alice Hayden and
Mrs. M. C. Hale.
Sub-Committee on Markers.
Luther C. Stevens, Chauncey H. Hayden and Frank S. Ran-
som.
Banquet Committee.
Chauncey H. Hayden, Buel H. Day, La Fayette Wilbur,
Frank S. Jackson, Mrs. Sadie C. Brown, Mrs. Medora Schweig,
Mrs. Ethel G. Hawley, Mrs. Cora W. Chapin and Mrs. F. S. Ran-
som.
Sub-Committee on Floats and Pageants.
Buel H. Day, Luther C. Stevens, Frank S. Ransom, Frank-
lin S. Jackson, Theodore B. Williams, Mrs. Mary B. Day, Mrs.
Sadie C. Brown and Mrs. Jennie R. Williams.
Children's Committee. (Special).
Luther C. Stevens, Mrs. Mary B. Day and Mrs. Harriet
H. Higgins.
Sub-Committee on Evening Musical Entertainment.
Mrs. B. C. Hawley, Mrs. Linnie Buzzell, Mrs. Cora W. Cha-
pin, Mrs. Jennie R. Williams and Mrs. Harriet H. Higgins.
Printing.
B. H. Day, C. H. Hayden and E. B. Jordan.
Local Committees at Jericho Center.
Marshals :
J. H. Safford, Andrew Fitzsimonds.
Reception Committee:
B. G. Brown and wife. Dr. M. O. Eddy and wife, S. M.
Packard and wife, G. C. Bicknell and wife, A. K. Morse and
wife.
22 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Information Bureau :
Mrs. J. W. Hart, Emma Bicknell, F. A. Fuller, Dr. C. G.
Barnum, Gertrude E. Barnum, Helen M. Chapin.
Decorations :
Mrs. K. B. Isham, W. J. Nichols and wife, F. M. Hoskins
and wife, Irving Ballard and wife, Leon Hall and wife, Mrs.
C. Bell, Lester Packard.
Refreshments :
Mrs. E. B. Jordan, Mrs. E. H. Smith, Mrs. H. E. Bates,
Mrs. C. F. Nealy, Mrs. L. D. Moulton, Mrs. B. Heywood, Mary
Moran, Helen Bolger, Mrs. Wm. Millham, and Mrs. L. Whitte-
more, Mrs. C. C, Bicknell, C. F. Nealy and F. A. Stiles.
Feeding Horses:
C. C. Bicknell, Earl Hurlburt, L. B. Bolger.
Transportation.
E. H. Smith, R. O. Wilder, C. Schillhammer.
Amusements :
Mrs. H. H. Higgins, Florence Bicknell.
Ushers :
H. P. Hall, E. W. Fay, F. Bliss, F. Perrigo.
AT JERICHO CORNERS.
Reception Committee:
Judge and Mrs. C. S. Palmer, Rev. and Mrs. Cashmore,
Rev. and Mrs. Nutting, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Wilbur, Mr. and
Mrs. Frank P. Percival, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Byington, Mr. and
Mrs. Herbert Hutchinson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tomlinson, Mr.
and Mrs. Frank K. Howe, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Rice, Mr. and
Mrs. Warren Buxton, Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Ring, Mr. and Mrs.
G. B. Hulburd.
Committee to see that churches, streets and houses are decorated :
Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Buxton, Mr.
and Mrs. F. A. Percival, Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Chase, Mr. R. B.
Field, Miss Julia Porter.
Committee on care of teams :
A. P. Byington, F. K. Howe, D. E. Rood, W. V. Ring,
Henry Desany, Bert Gomo, Mr. Pettingill.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 23
Marshals :
George Costello, Andrew Johnson, D. Bissonette, Charles
Scribner, O. H. Brown, James Saflford, A. Fitzsimonds, B. C.
Hawley, Irving Irish, F. ,S. Jackson, Bailey Brown, E. Varney,
M. Fitzgerald, W. E. Buxton, Lloyd Hulburd.
Chapter IV.
EXERCISES OF AUGUST THIRD.
In commemoration of the 150th year of the charteral exis-
tence of the town, the people of Jericho gathered in their churches
Sunday, Aug. 3, 1913, to listen to special music and historical
addresses as a suitable way to begin the celebration of this im-
portant event.
The service at the Congregational Church, Jericho Center,
10 : 30 a. m.. Rev. S. H. Barnum, Pastor, had the following :
ORDER OF SERVICE.
Organ Voluntary
Call to Worship
"Holy, Holy"
Invocation, closing with Lord's Prayer
Hymn of Praise
Responsive Reading
Recital of Beatitudes
Gloria Patri
Scripture
Anthem
Pastoral Prayer
Notices and Offering
Hymn
Historical Address — ^Rev. Frank W. Hazen
Hymn
Closing Prayer
Benediction
Postlude
The audience was large and enthusiastic. The historical
address is given in full.
24 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
* * * *
FRANK W. HAZEN, ADDRESS.
I. Samuel 12:24. Only fear Jehovah, and serve him in
truth with all your heart ; for consider how great things he hath
done for you.
One hundred and fifty years are not long in the SO centuries
of fairly authentic history by which the progress of mankind
may be traced. Yet this last century and a half is of greater
moment in the history of this earth, has wrought mightier
changes among men, has witnessed greater progress than the
preceding 50 centuries.
One hundred and fifty years ago these United States, of
which we are so proud as the greatest nation upon which the
sun shines or ever shone, had no thought of ever being a nation,
they were wilderness, the abode of savage beast or of red men,
or contented colonies of the Mother Country, England. One
hundred fifty years ago this beautiful region of the Green Moun-
tains, to the human eye, had not the slightest prospect of ever
becoming an independent state, as she became 14 years later
for the 14 years prior to her admission into the Union in 1791,
had not the slightest prospect of becoming one of the great
sisterhood of states to which she has belonged these 122 years.
Here were the New Hampshire Grants. The controversy
with New York was just on the verge of becoming acute, but
at that time the settlers were in the peaceful possession of their
grants, and had no thought of any attempt at dispossession, no
thought even of the change of jurisdiction from New Hampshire
to New York. This town, as far as we know, was unbroken
wilderness, without a white man within its limits, and with the
red man having here no settled habitation, only passing through
the forests to hunt or fish or go on a foray. Mount Mansfield
lifted his majestic head and kept his eternal watch at our back
door, much as today. Bolton Mountain acted as our sentinel to
the East. From the summit of Birch Hill the Indian, by climbing
a tree, might have caught a glimpse of Lake Champlain, shimmer-
ing in the light of the setting sun. Lee River, Brown's River, and
Mill Brook, though known by other names, if known by name at
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 25
all, flowed as they now flow, only with larger volumes, the Wi-
nooski River alone presumably bearing the name by which we
now know it, and flowing through the southern part of the town,
as described in the charter. Is there anything else that the pass-
ing traveler of 150 years ago would recognize today? A few
forests he might recall, but he might not look upon one tree that
was familiar to him in the whole town. A few weeks ago I
rambled over "The Rocks" and looked for the old oak tree
which we boys used to climb and under which we used to play,
^but could find only a decayed stump. Over at the old parsonage
two trees remain, not very different from what they seemed 35
years ago, but at least one of the older trees is gone, and the
trees that were four or five inches through at that time are grown
beyond all recognition now, and one has grown to a good size
and fallen, and only its stump is there. This beautiful park in
front of the church, with trees of considerable size today, was a
bare "Common" 35 years ago, with three separate baseball dia-
monds, one in front of the church for the young men, one in
front of the store for the middle-sized boys, and one down in
front of the old parsonage for the small boys. One hundred and
fifty years ago, yes 120 years ago, the "Common" was not a com-
mon at all, it was wilderness, with not even the stake set for the
location of the church building, and it was not until 1795, 32 years
after the town was chartered, that the town voted to "procure
four acres of land for a green around the meeting house stake,"
and chose a committee of three to lay out the land for a meeting
house green, and "voted that the three heads of classes see to
chopping and clearing off the land for the public green the pres-
ent summer." Within the short space of 120 years the "green"
has changed from virgin forest to cleared land with a church in
the center, to a "common" with baseball fields, and back again
to a beautiful grove. Not all the forest land has changed so
much, but it is safe to say that none of it is quite as it was 150
years ago, and most of the land in the town is entirely different
from what it was then. Streams and springs the same, but with
smaller volume, hills the same, only deprived of their virgin
forests, plains and valleys the same, only so different as to be
unrecognizable without their miles and miles of unbroken forest,
the skies the same, the climate milder, if we are to believe the
26 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
common judgment regarding the old-fashioned winters; every-
thing changed, much for the better, we are sure. The solitary
wilderness has become the pleasant abode of some 1,300 pros-
perous, contented, intelligent, useful citizens of a great republic.
If it be true that man is the measure of the universe, that the
worlds have value because man gives value to them, that this
earth was wrought out of the void to be the home of man, then
making this 6 square miles of wilderness into homes for men was
simply continuing the great work of creation, making the earth
bear the fruit it was intended to bear, pressing onward God's great
plan for the world.
We are not to recite today the story of these 150 years, we
shall listen to that story from more eloquent lips next Tuesday.
Nor are we today to tell the story of the 122 years of organized
church life here. That story is printed for the first 100 years,
and with the record of the last 22 years you are more familiar
than the speaker. We are rather concerned today with some les-
sons which may be gleaned from the story of this church, we
are concerned with the divine plan and purpose in the past and
for the future. You know it is said history is not completely
written until it becomes His story.
Two things have deeply impressed me in my knowledge of
this church and community as they were a generation ago, as acr
cording to my observation I believe they have been since, as re-
viewing the history of the town since its organization in 1786
seems to reveal them. Some may have difficulty in reconciling or
explaining these two somewhat contradictory elements in the
story ; nevertheless, I think I am right in giving them as character-
istics to be observed here in an uncommon degree. They are these :
First, that the dominant influence in this community in all these
years has been this First Church of the Town of Jericho, and
second, that the support of this church has been one long story
of struggle and sacrifice, heroic struggle and heroic sacrifice.
First, then, this church has dominated, has moulded this com-
munity. I remember very well the habit we boys had, when we
were driving to Richmond with' father, or from Richmond, of
looking back, or looking forward, from the hills beyond the old
Elliot farm for the last glimpse or the first glimpse of the steeple
of this church. And that habit has not forsaken me now. I would
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 27
do the same thing today if I were to drive over that road. About
three months ago I rode on the train from Essex to Cambridge,
the first time in a good many years, and a little above the Corners,
I looked out of the car window over in this -direction. I do not
know whether there was in the dim recesses of my memory
some faint recollection that it might be so, or whether it simply
came to me then and there that it might, — ^but there was the spire
of this church, the only sign that there was any village in this di-
rection, and it looked beautiful to me, and I called the attention
of my companions in the car to it, — as far as I know they had
never heard of Jericho Center before. Less than a month ago
my brother Austin was taking the same trip, and he told me what
a surprise it was to him that the steeple could be seen from there.
He had entirely forgotten the fact, if he had ever known it. Not
less surely has the influence of this church dominated this com-
munity for the last 120 years than its beautiful spire has domi-
nated the landscape for the last 35. Some people may seem to have
forgotten it, to their inestimable loss, its influence may not have
been what it might have been if men's minds had all and always
been set on the things that are true and good and beautiful, and
they have not been, any more than their eyes have always been
open to the beauties of the earth about them. Nevertheless this
church has been here, standing for the things of Christ, and has
been a perpetual reminder, even to the careless, even to those
who think they have forgotten such things, or would forget them
if they could, that the divine life is the true life and is the life
worth while, that the things that are not seen, the things that are
eternal, are the real things, that God has something great and good
for his children now, and something greater and better for them
in the greater future.
In the early days the connection between the town and the
church may have seemed more vital than it has been since. Even
before the organization of the church, which you recall was in
1791, the town voted in 1786, the year of its organization, to ap-
point a committee for the purpose of providing preaching the en-
suing year. In 1788 the town chose a committee to hire a candi-
date, and voted to raise money to pay a candidate for preaching
two months. In April, 1789, the town "voted to hold meetings
of public worship at the usual places, viz. : at Deacon Rood's and
28 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Capt. Bartlett's," and in September of the same year "a town tax
was granted to pay Rev. Mr. Parmelee for preaching the past
season, 6 pounds 5 shillings, 10 pence." In March, 1790, the
town chose a committee to hire a candidate to preach on proba-
tion for settlement, and in September of the same year the town
voted to give the candidate secured, Ebenezer Kingsbury, a call
to settle in the work of the ministry, and voted "200 pounds law-
ful money settlement, including the first minister's right of land,
and 35 pounds lawful money salary for the first year, and to rise
with the list until it amounted to 80 pounds," which was to be
the stated salary. The church was organized in March, 1791,
and June 22 of that year a council met to ordain Mr. Kingsbury,
when the church voted to give Mr. Kingsbury a call to settle in
the gospel ministry, presumably because the call by the town
was not deemed by the council sufficient. But even after the or-
ganization of the church the town had the finances in charge.
In November, 1791, the town voted that "three pounds lawful
money be allowed for providing for the 'Ordaining Council last
June'." In the succeeding years a number of votes of the town
are recorded regarding the places for meeting for public worship
and preaching. In 1794 the towm voted to build a meeting house,
and chose a committee of five to set a stake for it. But that
church was not paid for by the town, for in 1795 the town "voted
to build a rneeting house by selling the pews at public vendue at
the next adjourned town meeting." Three weeks later that
meeting was held and the pews bid off, those who bid, I suppose,
becoming "the proprietors" of the meeting house, the progenitors
of the more modern "Society." But it is not very clear just
what of its rights the town gave up, for a town record in 1800
reads, "Opened a meeting of the proprietors of the meeting
house. Voted to sell the gallery pews." "The remainder of the
proceedings of the proprietors of the meeting house will be re-
corded in their clerk's office." But the town certainly used that
first meeting house for all its town meetings, and in 1837 by the
payment of $200 gained the right, a right which it still enjoys, to
use for that purpose the basement of the new church.
Did the town at first dominate the church, until the church
grew strong enough to dominate the town? The fact that the
town took such interest in the church shows that even then the
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 29
church dominated the town. Remember that the church is more
than the church organization, the Christian church was here with
its leavening influence when the first Christian man, Azariah
Rood, settled here in 1774, and it continued here in all those try-
ing years before the organization of the church (except during the
Revolution, when all the inhabitants had to leave). That the
town voted so consistently for the support of preaching is proof
enough that it was dominated by Christian ideals, that the real
church was having its say. The town was a church. And I
doubt if there has been a time in all these 127 years since the or-
ganization of the town, whether there was any church build-
ing or not, whether the church stood in the center of
the green or on its northern edge, whether it had a dome or a
spire or only a plain unadorned roof, — I doubt if there has been
a moment in all these years when the most conspicuous as well
as the most mighty influence in this community has not been the
Christian church. I know it was in the 15 years of my boyhood
that were spent here. I believe it was before and has been since.
You will think of the school, — and we are glad to see a bet-
ter school than we ever thought of seeing here ; and we will not
say one word against the influence of the American public school.
It is very great and very good. But it is not belittling that influ-
ence to say that the influence of the church is greater and better
and more necessary. Dr. Hillis says you might as well expect to
cleanse the water of typhoid germs by painting the pump in har-
monious colors as expect to cleanse the human heart by culture
of the brain. Education, culture, the training given in the schools,
have had a good part in making this community what it is, but
not the best part. It is the church, that has held up continually
and conspicuously and mightily the high ideals, and been
the minister of the power to make those ideals effective, that
have redeemed the life of this community and made the name of
Jericho Center dear to so many of us.
But we must go on to the second characteristic that we
named, that the support of this church has been one long story
of heroic struggles and sacrifice. It was not easy for those
hardy pioneers out of their poverty to give 80 pounds for the sup-
port of their first minister. It was not easy for them to raise
the, for that day, very large sum of $4,000 to pay for the first
30 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
meeting house. It was not easy a generation later to raise a like
sum to build the original brick church. Many of us remember
the struggles of 35 years ago to raise nearly $5,000 to remodel
that old brick church and fashion this one which was thought
to be very beautiful then, — I remember hearing it often spoken
of as one of the most beautiful of country churches, and it is
beautiful today.
It has never been easy here in this scattered community to
pay a minister a living salary. In the printed history of the
church it is plainly stated regarding four of the ministers that
they. were dismissed "for want of proper support," or because
"they could not raise the salary," or because "the salary paid is
not enough to command the best talent or help to the best work,
and God's blessing cannot be expected." (In the manuscript
copy of that history my father wrote in lead pencil. "Most min-
isters have left for the same reason.") Meagreness of the sal-
ary and the difficulty of raising that is undoubtedly the cause of
the large number of short pastorates here, — ^22 pastors in 122
years, the three remaining longest being here 20, nearly 18, and
7 years, and the next longest, your present pastor, who has been
here nearly 6 years. Do not think that I am casting it up against
the church that they have not paid more; I am rather trying to
show how hard the struggle has been. I believe the church has
done nobly to pay what it has paid.
It is no disgrace to be poor. At Burlington last June Dr.
Cadman congratulated the University of Vermont on being poor.
I believe it was Senator Dolliver who declared a few years ago,
"If I had $10,000 and a boy, I should keep them apart." It is
not the colleges who have had most, nor the boys who have had
most, that have amounted to the most ; nor is it the churches that
have had the largest number of liberal givers and paid the larg-
est salaries and. raised them the easiest that are most worthy of
the Lord's words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
And not all the struggle and sacrifice have been on the
financial side, — ^that has been the least of it. Some years ago a
member of a wealthy church was remarking upon how hard a
poorer church had to work to continue self-support, and a mem-
ber of the poorer church replied "But we love our church."
There is the case in a nut-shell. It is human nature, — or divine
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 31
human nature — , to love that for which we have sacrificed. And
the sacrifice of luxuries and even comforts that the support of
this church has cost has been transformed into a deeper love for
the church, and for the Christ whose the church is. The heroic
devotion that has entered into sustaining the Sunday School, the
prayer-meeting, the missionary societies, the choir, as well as
the stated public worship and the private living of the gospel,
if it could all be known, would seem the larger element of the
sacrifice. It is this that God sees, and it is this that has given
the church its power in this community. It is this that has really
proved the church Christ's church, proved that it stands for the
things for which His life stands, love and truth and service and
sacrifice. It is this that proves that God has been working in
this community through His church to lift it out of a selfish
worldliness, the seeking of comforts, enjoyments, wealth and
luxury for their own sake, into the divine unworldliness that
seeks to use the kingdoms of the world and all their glory for
the upbuilding of the divine character of Jesus Christ in the
community and in the men and women and children of the com-
munity. And looking at the achievements of the years, achieve-
ments through sacrifice, who shall say that one sacrifice here
for the church and for the work of God has been in vain, has
been too great? Who will not say that the greatest glory of
these 150 years has been the sacrifice made here for the love of
God and His church?
And now a word as to the future. What of the future
for this little church and village and community among the hills ?
Let us come back to the words of our text, the words of the aged
Samuel to Israel as they were starting out in a new and untried
way: "Only fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth with all your
(heart ; for consider how great things he hath done for you." All
the great things of which the history of these 150 yearg can boast
are simply what God has done for you and through you. Can
you doubt that still greater achievements await the descendants
of the fathers, IF THEY BUT FEAR THEIR FATHERS'
GOD, AND SERVE HIM iN TRUTH WITH ALL THEIR
HEART ? if they keep the church, the work, the kingdom, the will
of God dominant in the community, and if they serve the church.
32 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
the work, the kingdom, the will of God with the same devotion
and sacrifice that the fathers did?
As a motto for the next century and a half, for church and
town, I want to give the burden of Joaquin Miller's poem, "Co-
lumbus," of course with its deepest spiritual implications:
Behind him lay the great Azores,
Behind the gates of Hercules ;
Before him not the ghost of shores.
Before him onlx shoreless seas.
The good mate said: "Now must we pray.
For lo! the very stars are gone.
Brave admiral, speak, what shall I say?"
"Why, say. Sail on! sail on! and on!"
"My men grow mutinous day by day ;
My men grow ghastly wan and weak."
The stout mate thought of home ; a spray
Of salt wave washed his swarthy cheek.
"What shall I say, brave admiral, say.
If we sight naught but seas at dawn ?"
"Why, you shall say at break of dawn,
"Sail on ! sail on ! sail on ! and on !"
They sailed. They sailed. Then spake the mate:
"This mad sea shows his teeth tonight.
He curls his lip, he lies in wait.
With lifted teeth, as if to bite !
Brave admiral, say but one good word;
What shall we do when hope is gone?"
The words leapt like a leaping sword :
"Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!"
Then pale and worn, he kept his deck
And peered through darkness. Ah, that night
Of all dark nights ! And then a speck —
A light ! A light ! A light ! A light !
It grew, a starlit flag unfurled !
It grew to be Time's burst of dawn.
He gained a world ; he gave that world
Its grandest lesson : "On ! sail on !"
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 38
The following quotation is made from the Jericho Reporter:
"The regular morning service at the First Congregational
Church, at Jericho Center, was one of rare interest. The ser-
vice was in charge of the pastor, the Rev. S. H. Barnum. The
Rev. Carlton Hazen read the lesson and the Rev. Charles E. Hay-
ward offered prayer. The sermon was largely historical and was
delivered by the Rev. Frank W. Hazen. Mr. Hazen is a son of
the Rev. Austin Hazen, pastor of the church for 20 years. Hav-
ing spent his boyhood days here, he was able to recount many
early experiences and bring vividly before his hearers the scenes
and happenings of those days.
There was another remarkable service at the Methodist
Church, Riverside, 10 :30 a. m. Rev. A. H. Sturges, pastor.
ORDER OF SERVICE.
Hymn
The Apostles' Creed
Prayer, Rev. W. E. Cashmore
Anthem
Responsive Reading
Gloria Patri
Scripture, Rev. C. A. Nutting
Notices
Hymn
Historical Address, Rev. E. J. Ranslow
Special Music
Doxology
Benediction
There was an afternoon union service also at the Baptist
Church, Jericho Comers, 1 :30 p. m., Pastor, Rev. C. A. Nutting,
B. D., with this order of service :
Prelude
Hymn
Invocation
Music
Scripture, Rev. Wm. Cashmore
Prayer, Rev. A. H. Sturges
Response
34 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Notices and OfJfering
Music
Historical Address, Rev. E. J. Ranslow
Doxology
Benediction
Postlude
It is a personal regret that this address of Mr. Ranslow's
cannot be printed in full. He had agreed to rewrite and forward
from his home at Sea Breeze, Florida, but illness and death pre-
vented his doing as contemplated. All who heard it will remem-
ber it as most inspiring and as highly patriotic. The Reporter
has this to say about Mr. Ranslow and the memorable
ADDRESS.
The historical sermons at Riverside and at Jericho Corners
were preached by the Rev. E. J. Ranslow, a grandson of the Rev.
Simeon Parmalee, for many years a preacher in this community.
His text was Proverbs 22-28: "Remove not the ancient land-
marks, which thy fathers have set."
Some of the landmarks which the preacher thought ought
not to be removed are courage, reverence and the Bible. In
speaking of the efforts of our forefathers to maintain places of
divine worship, he made mention of one small town which ac-
cording to town records appropriated $8,000 to build a meeting
house and afterward made yearly appropriations to keep up ser-
vices. He spoke of the deprivations and hardships of those early
times and paid high tribute to the sturdy character thus developed
and tempered in Vermont.
The grand finale of Sunday's services was a sacred concert
at Jericho Center with the following program :
Organ Prelude, The Pilgrims' Chorus. (Wagner)
Mrs. H. H. Higgins
Opening Chorus. Praise Ye The Father Full Chorus
Scripture Reading. Psalms 47 Rev. Wm. Cashmore
Hymn, No. 662, Pilgrim Hymnal
Chorus and Congregation (Standing)
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 35
O God, beneath Thy guiding hand,
Our exiled fathers crossed the sea;
And when they trod the wintry strand,
With prayer, and psalm they worshipped Thee.
Thou heard'st, well pleased, the song, the prayer ;
Thy blessing came; and still its power
Shall onward, through all ages, bear
The memory of that holy hour.
Laws, freedom, truth, and faith in God,
Came with those exiles o'er the waves ;
And where their pilgrim feet have trod.
The God they trusted, guards their graves.
And here Thy Name, O God of love.
Their children's children shall adore.
Till these eternal hills remove,
And spring adorns the earth no more.
Solo, "Let Us Have Peace" Mrs. B. C. Hawley
Double Quartet, "Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing,
Chorus, "Exalt His Glorious Name Full Chorus
Prayer Rev. A. H. Sturges
Duet Miss Eva M. Cady
Mrs. J. H. Safford
Solo, "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, (by request)
Mr. Fred A. Percival
Ladies' Quartet "Come Unto Me"
Mrs. B. C. Hawley, Mrs. F. A. Percival, Mrs. L. C. Rice, Miss
Helen Cashmore
Chorus, "O Be Joyful in the Lord" FuU Chorus
Scripture, Psalm 67 Rev. C. A. Nutting
Hymn, No. 684, Pilgrim Hymnal
Chorus and Congregation, (standing)
Let children hear the mighty deeds
Which God performed of old;
Which in our younger years we saw,
And which our fathers told.
36 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
He bids us make His glories known,
His works of power and grace ;
And we'll convey His wonders down,
Through every rising race.
Our lips shall tell them to our sons,
And they again to theirs.
That generations yet unborn
May teach them to their heirs.
Thus shall they learn in God alone
Their hope securely stands.
That they may ne'er forget His works.
But practice His commands.
Solo, "Rock of Ages" Mrs, M. A. Buzzell
Male Quartet, "Beyond the Horizon"
Messrs. L. D. Moulton, F. A. Percival, P. H. Brown, Dr. G. B.
Hulburd
Chorus, "To Thee O Country" Full Chorus
Salute to the Flag (As the opening strains of America, are
played on the organ, the chorus and congregation will rise
and recite together, the pledge of allegiance to flag and coun-
try, and remain standing until close of service).
We pledge allegiance to our Flag, and to the Country for which
it stands. One Nation, indivisible; with liberty and justice
for all.
National Hymn. "America" Chorus and Congregation
Benediction Rev. S. H. Barnum
Postlude Mrs. H. H. Higgins
Ushers — Frank B. Brown, Earl Kinney, Earl Hurlburt, Harry
Hoskins
The writer wishes to add, that, while he has listened to the
rendering of musical programs in other gatherings of national
and even international nature, nothing has" ever given him the
pleasure and satisfaction experienced in the splendid rendition of
this sacred concert. Weeks of depressing drill, fully compen-
sated by one short hour of sweet realization, under the sway of
the magic wand, the fine art, music.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 37
Concerning the sacred concert the Jericho Reporter has this
to say :
"In the evening the whole town joined in the rendering of a
sacred concert of very high merit. More than 300 people gath-
ered at an early hour in the church and listened with rapt inter-
est as one number after another of the program was given. A
chorus of 30 voices, led by E. B. Jordan and F. A. Percival, sang
several songs with much expression. Mrs. B. C. Hawley, Mrs.
M. A. Buzzell and F. A. Percival each sang solos. A quartette
of ladies and another of gentlemen sang selections which were
greatly enjoyed. Mrs. H. H. Higgins and Miss Florence Buxton
played the organ. In closing the audience rose and joined in a
salute to the flag and sang 'America.' "
As the people returned to their homes they were drenched
with rain, which storm seemed however to clear the skies, and the
weather for the week proved to be ideal.
Chapter V.
EXERCISES OF AUGUST FOURTH.
Monday evening, at Riverside, in the G. A. R. Hall was given
the beautiful drama "A Rose O'Plymouth Town" by the young
people representing the following characters :
Miles Standish, Captain of Plymouth, . . . Mr. C. Harold Hayden
Garrett Foster, of Weston's men Mr. Carl E. Nay
John Margeson, of the Plymouth Colonists . Mr. Ralph W. Smilie
Philippe de la Noye, of the Plymouth Colonists,
Mr. Harlie F. Ross
Miriam Chillingsley, Cousin to the Captain Miss Hazel E. Knight
Barbara Standish, Wife of the Captain Miss Hope Scribner
Resolute Story, Aunt to the Captain, . . Miss Madeline Schweig
Rose de la Noye, Sister to Philippe Miss Olive L. Hayden
Place: — Plymouth in New England.
Period :— 1622-1623.
This play was repeated Thursday night at Jericho Corners
and Friday evening at Jericho Center. The play was one of the
4
Madeline Schweig. Hazel B. Knight.
Olive Lucile Hayden Janes. Alma Hope Sckibner.
Lady Characters of "A Rose O'Plymouth Town."
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
9.00 a. m. — Band Concert
10:00 a. m. — Historical Episodes
10:30 a. m. — Exercises in the Church
Music
Welcome Address by B. H. Day
Historical Address by L. F. Wilbur
12 :00-l :45 — Intermission for dinner
1 :00 — Band Concert
1 :45 — Brief Speeches by former residents, Rev. S. H. Barnum,
presiding
3 :00 — Address by Pres. G. P. Benton of the University of Ver-
mont
The Westford Cornet band discoursed the finest of music.
There was a Loan Exhibition at the Village Hall which was
a genuine surprise and ought never to have been dismantled. Of
this and the Historical Episodes we quote Mrs. Harriet H. Hig-
gins.
* * * *
ANTIQUE EXHIBITION.
By H. H. Higgins.
The Loan Exhibition connected with the Old Home Day
feature of the Jericho Town and Celebration at Jericho Center,
was a great undertaking and also a great success, adding much to
the enjoyment of the day. It was visited by several hundred
people on that day, and many came on other days of Celebration
week.
There was a general feeling of surprise that so many articles
of interest and value could have been brought together in so short
a time. The old Universalist Church, now being transformed
into a Neighborhood Hall by the ladies of Jericho Center, proved
an admirable place to display the articles on exhibition.
The committee having the matter in charge was composed
of the following members: Mrs. Harriet H. Higgins, Mrs.
Cora W. Chapin, Jericho Center; Mrs. Addie Tomlinson, Jer-
icho; Mrs. Alice Hayden, Mrs. Medora Schweig, Mrs. M. C.
Hale, Riverside. They were ably assisted by Mrs. G. C. Bick-
nell, Mr. W. C. Field, Miss Belle Havens, and Mr. and Mrs.
40 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Frank Brown. Among the many interesting things exhibited
may be noted two catalogues of the old Jericho Academy, dated
about the year 1836. Among the names familiar to the older
resident of the town, appeared that of Simeon Parmelee, a
trustee; Simeon Bicknell, teacher; Torrey E. Wales, Edgar and
Lucius Lane and sisters, Mary, Lyman and Truman Galusha,
pupils. Among the military relics was a sword carried in the
Battle of Lexington loaned by Mrs. Geo. B. Hulburd, and a can-
non ball picked up after the Battle of Plattsburg. Old miniatures
and portraits were looked upon with interest, among them being
one of Jedediah Lane, the first college graduate from the
town of Jericho, being a graduate of Dartmouth. There were
also portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Barney and of Joseph
Brown, wife and daughter, who were first settlers of the
town. As illustrating the industries of our ancestors and the
works of art, we would especially notice a framed landscape in
needlework, done by a Miss Rawson in 1830, which attracted
great attention.
There were several collections of beautiful hand wrought
laces in veils and collars, bead bags,, linen and hand woven silk
fabrics, collars and muslins elaborately embroidered. Rare old
woven blankets were hung on the walls of the hall, and two lines
of beautiful patchwork quilts extended through the center. ■
At one side were new collections of china and furniture and on
the other household implements, the use of many of which is
entirely unknown to the younger generation. There were old
records, some of which were in the handwriting of Lewis Cha-
pin, the first town clerk, and a book containing ear marks by
which the cattle pasturing on the Village 'Green' were identified,
loaned from the present town clerk's office. There was a fine
collection of pewters, among them being the first communion ser-
vice used in the First Congregational Church. A lovely Lowe-
stoft teapot over 150 years old, loaned by Mr. Marcus Hoskins,
was among a collection of old china.
An old box known to have belonged to the family of Pere-
grine White, the first white child born in New England, was
loaned by Mrs. Kate B. Isham, who is a direct ' descendant.
A word may be allowed regarding the historical scenes en-
acted on the porch of the hall, as a sort of spectacular opening of
EnTKANCE to PAEK, JeRICIIO CteNTEK.
In the Park.
Collection of Antiques at Celebration.
The three ladies from left to right are: Mrs. Harriet Higglns, Mrs.
Melinda Hall Pease, Mrs. Adelia Rice Bicknell.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 41
the Loan Exhibition, and at the same time giving a bit of old
time coloring to the festivities of the day.
A series of pantomimes illustrating events in the early his-
tory of the town, were arranged and carried out by Mrs. Har-
riet Higgins and her assistants. The first represented the
signing of the deed given by Lewis Chapin to the town, convey-
ing four acres of land to the town of Jericho for a "green," pro-
viding the church be located there, and certain houses which
had been put up near "Birch Hill" be taken down and removed
to this spot which he deemed more suitable for a settlement.
The part of the donor was taken by the great grandson of this
Lewis Chapin, who bears his name.
The second scene. The Country Doctor, represented an old
time living room in which various industries, as spinning, winding
yarn from swifts, churning, rug making, apple stringing, piecing
of quilts, etc., were being carried on. A little girl was taken
sick and the doctor was sent for in haste, who came on horseback
with his saddle bags and administered powders and pills in the
old-fashioned way. A boy had the toothache which was re-
lieved by the doctor twisting out the tooth with a turnkey.
In the third scene, Capt. Elon Lee, the first singing master
who taught singing school in Jericho, appeared. In addition to
the dozen people already on the porch, three ancient dames drove
up to attend the school. They were followed by a lovely bride
riding on a pillion behind her husband, who also joined the class.
When all were assembled the class sang 'Cousin Jedediah,' which
was followed by a duet, sung by Capt. Elon Lee and Mrs. Dea-
con Azariah Rood, (Mr. B. G. Brown and Mrs. Adelia Rice
Bicknell) entitled "When You and I Were Young, Maggie." An
old time song was also sung by Mr. Marcus Hoskins.
After these pantomimes the Loan Exhibition was thrown
open to the public. And after all, among the many pleasant fea-
tures of the Celebration the pleasantest, and the one whose fra-
grance will be the most enduring was the return and reunion of
old friends.
Among the former residents of the town, who were present
only a few names can be mentioned, as follows : Joel Bartlett of
Shelburne, Rev. Carleton Hazen of Kensington, Conn., Rev.
Frank Hazen of Johnson, Rev. and Mrs. C. E. Hayward of Ben-
42 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
son, Mrs. Miriam Lane Parker of Essex Junction, Mrs. Mira
Stiles of Morrisville, Mr. and Mrs. Noriris Ransom of Brattle-
boro, Dr. Edwin E. Graves of Penacook, N. H., Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Hall, Mrs. I. C. Stone and Mrs. W. N. Pierce, Mrs. Hat-
tie Bixby, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Wood and Henry Vancor of
Burlington, Mrs. Laura Chapin Button of Royalton, Mr. and
Mrs. J. B. Williams of Holyoke, Mass., also Mr. and Mrs. R. B.
Williams of Holyoke, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bradford of St. Al-
bans, James E. Barney of Boston, Mrs. Dr. Hopkins of Water-
bury, Mrs. Frank Castle of Vergennes, Dr. and Mrs. Hill of Wi-
nooski, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Church of Rutland, Byron Ward of
Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Church of Jonesville, Mr. and
Mrs. R. B. Galusha of Winchester, Mass., Dr. C. A. Pease of
Burlington. The Register shows names from Massachusetts,
Connecticut, Iowa, Baltimore, Florida, New York and Idaho.
May we have another Old Home Day in the not too distant
future.
The address of welcome by Pres. Buel H. Day was most
fitting and appropriate and was much appreciated by the visi-
tors. The historical address by LaFayette Wilbur was a rich
contribution to the exercises of the day and is printed in full.
Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen :
The past is great, and when we forget it we are unwise ; we
need now and then to return to it as the spent tide returns to the
deep, that we may renew our strength and gain fresh momentum
for out future work. As one writer has said, "Live upon the
past, in the present, for the future."
When we look to the early days of Jericho we see through
all this region and through all Vermont, then called the New
Hampshire Grants, the little clearings, the small log houses that
had been made and erected by the hardy pioneers. Those were
brave and hardy men and true women who left their more com-
fortable homes in Massachusetts and Connecticut and came hither,
then a dense wilderness, to subdue the forest and make for them-
selves homes and help to establish the noble state of Vermont.
With all the experience they had passed through, they did not
know the sacrifices they would have to make and the dangers to
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 43
which they would be exposed, surrounded as they were by hostile
bands of Indians and British foes.
The territory now known as Vermont was originally a part
of the Province of New Hampshire, held and governed by Great
Britain during the reign of King George III. Benning Went-
worth, Esq., had been commissioned governor and commander-
in-chief of that province. Great Britain, under King George,
for the encouragement of settling a new plantation, with the ad-
vice of the provincial governor, granted to Edward Burling and
65 others a parcel of land by meets and bounds containing 23,040
acres, a tract of land six miles square, and lying easterly of the
town of Essex ; and by the grant it was incorporated into a town-
ship by the name of Jericho ; and by this grant or charter, bear-
ing date June 7, 1763, it was declared that "as soon as the said
town should consist of fifty families a market might be opened
and 'kept ; and the first meeting for the choice of town officers
should be called by John Burling and should be held on the 14th
day of July, 1763 ; and it provided that the. annual meeting for-
ever thereafter for the choice of such officers for said town shall
be on the second Tuesday of March annually." There is no
record that said meeting was ever called or held, and undoubtedly
it never was.
It does not appear, if it was known, where the 66 grantees
resided at the time the charter or grant was issued, but evidently
they had in view the making of Jericho their home, sometime.
Down in 1777 all the grants issued by Governor Wentworth, west
of the Connecticut River, were called and known as New Hamp-
shire Grants, such lands had been occupied by Indian tribes, and
then claimed by the Iroquois residing at the south end of Lake
Champlain and other Indian tribes living in Canada, as their hunt-
ing grounds. The first settlers in Jericho came from the western
part of Massachusetts in 1774. They were Roderick Messenger,
who lived on Onion River near where the highway leading from
Jericho Corners intersects the Onion River road; Azariah Rood,
who located on the farm known now as the Edgar Barber place,
and Joseph Brown, who located and built his log house near Un-
derbill, a little south of the river bearing his name, near a high
bank east of the highway, a few rods northeast of the house
where Elmer Irish now resides. These three men and their
44 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
wives were hardy, brave pioneers. It took uncommon fortitude
and courage to leave old neighbors and friends and go far into a
wilderness with a family of small children to establish a home
and endure all the fatigues, privations and dangers incident to so
great an undertaking.
Let us look at the dangers and difficulties that these pioneers
had to meet. Brown had hardly begun to secure to himself and
family the comforts of life before the Revolutionary War with
Great Britain was on, and dangers and "hardships multiplied.
Brown, with other purchasers, had received title of their lands
through the grant from Governor Wentworth. New York
claimed all the land west of the Connecticut River as belonging
to that state, and claimed that deeds and grants of land that were
based on the title derived from Governor Wentworth were in-
valid, and sought to make the owners pay for their lands a second
time. New Hampshire, on account of the claim of New York,
abandoned the contest, and withdrew their protection of the set-
tlers who had paid for their lands and left them to contend with
New York alone. The Indians were set on by the British to
terrify the hearts of the pioneers and rob them of their posses-
sions. At the same time the British army then in Canada sought
to invade Vermont from the north. The hardships and dangers
to which the pioneers were exposed were soon to be realized. In
1777, Joseph Brown and his family were captured by the Indians
and taken to Isle aux Noix at the north end of Lake Champlain
to the British military camp, but they were not very closely
watched as prisoners and they made their escape in about three
months and returned to their home in-'Jericho, and were left un-
molested for about three years. On the 16th of October, 1780,
a force of hostile Indians from Canada aided by the British of-
ficers, made their way up Onion River valley and to Royalton,
and laid in ashes the village of that town and burnt down the
houses and barns in that vicinity, and took the defenseless in-
habitants prisoners, both men and women, and their families.
The Indians, on their return, divided on Onion River in Bolton;
one division went down the river to Lake Champlain with their
prisoners and made their way back to Canada, while the other
division passed over through Jericho to the residence of Joseph
Brown. Before they found his house and family, the Indians
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 45
captured one Gibson who had been hospitably entertained by
Brown for some time while hunting in that section. This cow-
ardly wretch told his captors that if they would release him he
would" lead them where they could get a whole family. The In-
dians agreed to this and were shown the locality of Brown's log
cabin; six savages entered the house and took prisoners Mr.
Brown and his wife and so many of his family as were there.
A man by the name of Old, residing with Brown, seeing the In-
dians enter the house, jumped from a window and escaped to the
family of Roderick Messenger in the south part of the town.
At the time the Indians reached the house Brown's two boys,
Charles and Joseph, 19 and 16 years old respectively^ were not at
home, but they returned at night and were also taken prisoners by
the Indians who were lying in wait for them. The Indians, after
securing their prisoners, including Gibson who had betrayed the
Brown family, killed the cattle, sheep and hogs belonging to
Brown, set fire to the house and the meager furniture, and made
their way with their prisoners to Canada. On their journey
thither the Brown family suffered much from harsh treatment,
hunger and fatigue. On their arrival at St. Johns they were sold
to British officers at eight dollars a head and were retained as
prisoners nearly three years, and were kept at hard labor as ser-
vants and scouts, and allowed but miserable fare. The two sons.
Charles and Joseph escaped in the spring of 1783, and returned to
their home in Jericho where their parents joined them after they
were released on the declaration of peace between Great Britain
and the United States. The said Charles Brown was the father
of Zina and Luther Brown who lived in this vicinity, whom I
knew. The former became a Methodist minister and the latter
lived in the brick house in Jericho now standing near the ceme-
tery at Underbill Flats. The said Joseph Brown, the brother of
Charles, was the grandfather of Henry M. Brown, who now
lives near the place where the two boys were captured. The
mother of Buel H. Day, our President, was the daughter of said
Joseph Brown.
At this date the position of the few people who had come to
Jericho and vicinity to make their homes was dangerous in the
extreme, almost amounting to rashness, as an invasion by the
British army from Canada was daily expected and thought prob-
46 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
able. Ira Allen, one of the leaders of the Green Mountain Boys,
warned Roderick Messenger and the other pioneers of their im-
minent danger, and advised them to remove to the southern part
of the state and leave vacant their lands and homes till the danger
should be passed. Messenger and others heeded the advice,
Messenger loaded his family and his limited belongings into
a boat and went down Onion River to the lake and on to the
southern part of the state.
In 1776, when the Revolutionary War was on, forty men of
Capt. John Fassett, Jr.'s, company, under Lieutenant Mathew
Lyon, were stationed at the Block House in Jericho, but they
abandoned it on the retreat of the Continental army from Can-
ada. The officers of the company, including Lyon, were accused
of cowardice for abandoning the post without orders, and were
tried by court martial and convicted and cashiered. This con-
viction was said to have been unjust. For that small number
of men to have stood their ground, when our army was retreat-
ing before the British up the lake, and meet the British in battle,
would have been something more than courage — sheer foolhardi-
ness. It is said that Lyon's conviction did not injure his reputa-
tion in Vermont, as he was afterwards made commissary-general
and colonel, and twice elected to Congress in Vermont.
As soon as the Revolutionary War was over, the first three
families returned to their homes that they had been compelled so
unceremoniously to leave; others began to immigrate hither,
among whom were Nathaniel Bostwick who located near Under-
bill, now called Riverside, Thomas D. Rood and Lewis Chapin
who located south of the center of the town, Daniel Hutchinson,
the grandfather of James H. Hutchinson, David T. Stone,
Gaius Pease, George Butts and Jedediah Lane who located on
Lee River, Abel Castle, Daniel Hale, Peter McArthur, Captain
Joseph Hall, David Stanton, Leonard Hodges, Benjamin
Farnsworth, Jonathan Castle, Noah Chittenden, John Lyman,
Sr., Arthur Bostwick, Truman Barney, Martin Chittenden and
many others.
Just imagine the true state of affairs and the condition of the
early comers who had to make a beginning by building a rude log
house, for there were no sawmills by which to manufacture lum-
ber ; their houses and barns were of the most primitive kind, the
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 47
crevices of which were chinked with moss and clay, a stone fire-
place, wooden hinged doors with a wooden latch lifted by a string
from the outside, and wooden hooks and pegs for the gun, and on
which to hang hats and frocks ; the gun used to obtain wild meat
for the family; then commenced the clearing of the land by the
use of the axe; log heaps were burned to clear a little patch
of ground on which to raise a little rye, corn and potatoes. For
the first few years these immigrants had a hard struggle to live,
even if they escaped sickness and accidents ; they had no schools
or church privileges and no mills in which they could grind their
grain for the family. For many years lumber, if they obtained it
at all, had to be hauled a long distance.
In 1786 a move was made to organize the town. Hon. John
Fassett, a judge of the Supreme Court, legally warned a meet-
ing of the freeholders and other inhabitants of Jericho for March
22, 1786, for the purpose of choosing town officers. At that
meeting James Farnsworth was chosen moderator and justice of
the peace, and Lewis Chapin, town clerk; and at an adjourned
meeting held on the 13th of June, 1786, selectmen, treasurer
and highway surveyors were chosen.
One of the first matters on which the town took action was
the making and improving of highways. The town voted, on Oc-
tober 4, 1786, "to petition the Assembly to grant a tax on land in
the town, to cut roads and build bridges," and in 1787, the town
voted to accept the road from Essex line to Underbill and also
the bridge by Mr. Jedediah Lane's house. In the early days'
of the state it was a common practice for the towns to build their
highways over the hills, instead of avoiding the steep grade by go-
ing around, as the road built by the town from Underbill village
nearly in a direct line over by the present dwelling places of
Arthur H. Packard and Carl Schillhammer to Onion River,
shows. The town from the first to the present time has shown a
commendable interest in laying out new highways and in keeping
them in repair. In 1786, the town obtained a permit from the
Assembly to choose a member to attend the Assembly.
The people of Jericho, from the first, took a deep interest
in the religious education of her people, and they did not depend
upon voluntary contributions to maintain public worship. The
necessary funds were provided by raising a tax on the grand list
48 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
of the town. In 1789, the town, quoting, "voted to draw the
money out of the town treasury to pay for what preaching we
had the year past," and also chose a committee of three to pro-
vide preaching in future. On September 7, 1790, the town "voted
to have Ebenezer Kingsbury as their minister," and voted as a
salary "35 pounds for the first year, and rise till it shall amount
to 80 pounds per annum." And on October 4, 1790, "voted that
the 200 pounds (for ordination purposes and settlement) be
raised within one year after his ordination, in neat cattle or
grain or material for building, at the common going price among
use" ; and "that the first settled minister have forty cords of wood
delivered at his door, he finding the wood." Mr. Kingsbury re-
mained the pastor of the church at the Center until 1808. Evi-
dently small inconveniences did not stand in the way of attend-
ing public worship, in those days, for in March, 1791, the town
"voted to meet for public worship on the Sabbath at William
Smith's barn for the future." Down to 1794 no place had been
selected on which to build a house for public worship, but on
the 2nd of October of that year it was voted "that every man
write his place for a meeting house and put it into a hat." The
voters not agreeing they chose a committee of three to set a stake
for a meeting house, and selected Amos Brownson of Williston,
Samuel Bradley of Essex and Phineas Loomis of Burlington as
such committee. The record is silent on the action of the com-
mittee, but I infer they put the stake on the Green in front of
the present Congregational Church, for on June 3, 1795, the town
"voted that the town procure four acres of land for a Green
around the meeting house stake." Subsequently a frame house
of public worship was built on the Green and was taken down in
the year 1835 or 1836 by Anson Field, Sr., when the present
brick church building took its place. When Mr. Field took the
old church building down he cut out a block from a post of the
frame that has been preserved as a relic and is now in the posses-
sion of his son Burton. On the block is written in the hand writ-
ing of said Anson Field, the following record : "This piece of oak
is a part of the post in the frame of the first meeting house ever
built in the town of Jericho. Preserved by Anson Field, Sr.,
who took the frame down."
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 49
Soon after the organization of the town in 1786, immigration
to the town was quite rapid. There is a long list of men and their
wives and families that have contributed to the welfare of Jer-
icho, and some of whom have been prominent in conducting the
affairs of the town. Too much credit cannot be given, especially
to the older residents who have passed on to their reward, for the
work they accomplished in coming hither and clearing their
farms and making beautiful homes that may now be seen in all
parts of the town. We who in later years have lived in the midst
of plenty and modern surroundings cannot adequately realize the
sacrifices made by the pioneers of the town.
It would be interesting to notice the changes and improve-
ments that have been made in implements that were in use by the
people, both men and women, in the several industries in the early
history of the town and state. The spinning and flax wheel,
swifts, reel and loom which the wives and daughters in the
early history of Jericho were compelled to use to manufacture the
wool and flax into cloth for family use, have been superseded by
the machinery of our factories, run by water power, steam, elec-
tricity or other power. Instead of the old-fashioned, unsuitable
plow, harrow, scythe and sickle that the early farmers were
compelled to use, the improved plow, harrow, the mowing ma-
chine and the reaper and binder have taken their place. It may
be a matter of interest to the young to know what the elderiy
men and women of the town have done. It is a fact that older
people know that the cloth from which the family was clothed,
in the early days of Vermont, was made from material spun and
woven by the wife and daughters of the family. Mr. Burton
Field of this town has in his possession several different pieces
of fine cloth that were spun and woven by Mrs. Arthur Bostwick
and her mother about 100 years ago, and some fine silk cloth
made and woven by them, — silk from cocoons grown by them in
Vermont. But upon these topics I cannot dwell.
An incident, in the early days of Jericho, took place on Lee
River near Beartown (so-called) that may be of interest to re-
late. One Casey who had lived near neighbor to David T.
Stone, Gains Pease and George Butts, pioneers, for some offence
that he claimed his son had committed, took the son to the woods
at night and after a cruel whipping left him tied to a tree until
50 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
his screams brought a neighbor to his relief. The next day Billy
Young and a Mr. Prouty, who appeared to Casey as the executors
of the law, proceeded with the "Beach Seal" and rawhide well
laid on and changed the spirit of Casey to a milder form. George
Butts, Gaius Pease and David T. Stone stood near by approv-
ingly, till they were satisfied that a genuine conversion had taken
place.
On October 29, 1789, the Vermont Council concurred in an
act passed by the General Assembly for holding the County and
Supreme Court at Jericho, but I do not find these were actually
held there. The United States gave the people of Vermont no
postal or mail service till 1792. Previous to that all of the
postal facilities were under the control of the state authorities.
For a time, and down to 1792, the settlers of the town had the
benefit of a post rider from Clarendon, — ^Jericho was the end of
the mail route.
In 1791, without an enabling act of the legislature, the town,
in town meeting, took action to set off a part of the inhabitants to
another town ; the records say, "voted that the neighborhood on
Onion River in the south part of this town be immediately set off
to join the southeast society in Williston"; "then the question
was put, the town viewing it reasonable, that they should be set
off and considering them as dismissed." And in 1792, it was
voted "to run the line between this town and a certain grant of the
town which has heretofore been set off to the southeast society
in Williston." While such action of the town would not legally
change the geographical bounds of the town, it evidently was the
purpose of the town to relieve certain inhabitants from paying
taxes upon the grand list of the town and from contributing to
the support for religious services in town, (for, previous to this
action of the town it was voted in town meeting "that the neigh-
borhood on Onion River in the south part of the town should have
their money refunded, which they might pay towards the settle-
ment of Mr. Kingsbury over and above what the public rights
amount to at a time when they shall be legally set off by author-
ity to unite with another society.") In the early history of the
state and of all New England the ecclesiastical power was greater
and more arbitrary than at the present time. The inhabitants of
a precinct which belonged to some church were not bound by
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 51
territorial limits. The parish was composed of persons who
united under the charge of a particular priest, clergy or minister,
and the church was controlled and expenses for maintaining it
were voted and raised by the town in town meeting, and the town
assumed the right to set the individuals from the society or church
in one town to another society in another town and release them
from taxation in the town from which they were transferred.
Jericho, from the time of its organization, has endeavored
to provide for its poor. The mode and practice in caring for them
for some time might be regarded questionable. Each year the
keeping and caring for the poor was disposed of at public sale and
struck off to the lowest bidder, and under this way of caring for
them they received unjust treatment, and the custom was subject
to just criticism. In the year 1860 the town united with other
towns in the county in a union poor farm association where the
poor are well treated and humanely provided for under proper
supervision at a large farm located in Williston. In the early
history of the town it was the practice that if any person came to
reside in town, whom the authorities thought might in the future
become poor and liable to be supported by the town as a pauper,
he was immediately warned to depart from the town before he
had time to gain a residence. The process of the warning was
directed to a sheriff or the constable and signed by a selectman,
and read as follows : "By the authority of the State of Vermont
you are commanded to warn (naming the person or family) now
residing in the town of Jericho immediately to depart said town."
This process was served upon the person which prevented his
gaining such a residence in town as would make the town liable
for the support of the person warned in case he became pauper.
In 1794, under the act of the legislature, the town of Rich-
mond was formed out of the lands of Bolton, Huntington, Jer-
icho, and Williston, whereby Jericho lost 5,000 acres of territory.
The town of Jericho was surveyed into three divisions and gen-
erally divided into lots of 100 acres each, and numbered. Some
of the lots in the third division contained but thirty acres each.
On March 27, 1799, it was voted in town meeting to divide
the town into school districts, and subsequently it was divided in-
to 15 school districts; and from an early day the children of the
town were given a chance at the common schools of the town
52 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
conveniently near their respective residence, and such schools
were kept up until the town system took its place in the year of
1870. At Jericho village there is a large and commodious graded
school building, also one at the Center village at present where
the school is of a sufficiently high grade to fit pupils for a collegiate
course. The old academy building, built in 1825, now standing
on the south side of the Green at the village at the Center, deserves
more than a passing notice. The academical school in this building
went into successful operation in the spring of 1827, when Simeon
Bicknell, A. M., became the principal and continued to be its prin-
cipal for five years, and he was succeeded by S. J. Marsh, and
Marsh was followed by John Boynton, Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury,
James T. Foster, a Mr. Hale and others. The Academy build-
ing and the ground, forty feet square where it stands, was given
by deed by Lewis Chapin on the 6th day of September, A. D.
1825, which deed is recorded in Vol. 4, on page 500 of the land
records of Jericho. The deed does not expressly name a grantee,
but the legislature on the 28th day of October, 1828, passed an
act of incorporation by which Harvey Smith, Nathaniel Blacks
man, Wm. P. Richardson, Simeon Bicknell, Hosea Spaulding,-
Simeon Parmelee, Septimus Robinson and Seth Cole and their
associates and corporate, the trustees and members of Jericho
Academy, were empowered to hold property, real and personal,
including library.
It is pleasant to know that there were many men and women
educated for life's duties there; men who went out from school
and town who became eminent in business and professional life;
among others, we can refer to Charles C. Parker who became an
able preacher; Aaron B. Maynard, who became an able lawyer,
and located at Richmond, Vt., and later at Detroit, Michigan;
George Bliss of Jericho, who afterwards was a member of Con-
gress from Ohio ; Luke P. Poland who became Chief Judge of the
Supreme Court of Vermont and United States Senator, and later
Member of Congress from the 2nd Congressional district of Ver-
mont ; John A. Kasson, an eminent lawyer and statesman in Iowa.
There were also educated at this academy, Dr. George Lee Ly-
man, James and John Blackman, Ada L. Lane, Lucius L. and
Edgar H. Lane, RoUin M. Galusha and Joel B. Bartlett Jericho
men ; Torrey E. Wales, who for more than 25 years was a judge
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 53
of Probate Court for the. County of Chittenden ; Professor Joseph
S. Cilley, who became one of the leading educators in Vermont,
and was for many years principal of the academy at Underbill
Center in its most flourishing days, when I first knew him as my
teacher, and afterwards for many years principal of the academy
at Williston, and still later the principal of the academy at" Bran-
don, Vt., and closed his work as teacher at the high school build-
ing at Jericho village in fitting pupils to enter college. All of
these men made a good and honorable record in their various
callings.
As early as 1835 and 1836 there were many worthy women
educated at said Academy while James T. Foster was principal.
Among whom were Betsey M. and Lucinda Bartlett, Eliza and
Mary Blackman, Lucy Crane, Sarah S. Chapin, Lydia I. Galusha,
Charlotte B. Gibbs, Lorain and Lydia Griffin, Charlotte Lyman,
Lydia Nash, Fanny Prouty, Mary Reed and Lavilla and Sarah
S. Stiles. Those were times when board including room, wash-
ing and lights were furnished to pupils attending the school for
$1 to $1.25 per week.
There were other buildings which require special notice,
which I will niention later. On Lee River, in the eastern part
of the town, there was a saw mill built at an early day in the his-
tory of the town, just above where said Stone and Butts lived,
operated successively by Daniel Hale, Joseph Butts, Samuel An-
drews, Edgar A. Barney, Warren Fellows and J. E. Burrows,
which was taken down in 1908. And on the said river, between
Jericho Center and the village of Jericho there was a large fac-
tory building used for many years by Ephraim Styles as a fulling
mill and carding works, and later occupied by Oliver Whitmarsh
and Lyman Stimson for the manufacture of furniture and
coffins, still later George Wright and Lyman and Stimson changed
the building into a saw mill and a wheelwright shop. Wright
soon thereafter sold out his interest to Stimson who continued
the business for many years, but that building was destroyed by
fire, and Stimson removed to Wisconsin.
As the inhabitants increased in numbers, a village grew up
at Jericho Center which held its primary importance for some
time, and is a fine residential place. Later and for many years,
Jericho Corners situated near the western side of the town at
6
54 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
the falls on Brown's River, owing doubtless to its water power
facilities, became the largest and the most flourishing village of
the town, in a business line. There are six fine water falls and
sites at and near Jericho village. Quite early in the history of
that village a mill for carding wool and a factory for the manu-
facture of cloth were erected just below the lower bridge that did
extensive business for many years. The carding works were
run mainly by Truman Barney and his sons. A distillery for the
distilling of whiskey and New England rum to supply the trade
in those days for the "pure article" was established by Frederick
Fletcher and located between the present dweUing house of
Charles K Percival and the railroad trestle, and was operated
for many years, but the distilling of those drinks there ceased
more than sixty years ago. Below the lower bridge a saw mill
was built about the year 1830, by Joseph Sinclair, and since that
time it was successively owned by eight different men, but was re-
cently swept away by high water, and the granite shop of Joseph
Williams has taken its place. There was a grist mill built of
stone by John Bliss as early as 1820, at the falls on Brown's
River on the site where Warren E. Buxton's manufacturing es-
tablishment of small wood articles now stands. The mill was
greatly changed and improved and run by John BUss and David
Oakes, and later it was owned by John Bliss, George B. Oakes
and Truman Galusha. This was the only grist mill in this sec-
tion of the country for many years, to which the people for many
miles around brought their grain to be ground. This mill was
afterwards owned by George B. and William E. Oakes, and run
by them till about 1870, when it was changed into a pulp mill, and
later run as a chair factory by Henry M. Field. At the next mill
site above this mill there was a large factory and a saw mill
where an extensive business in the manufacture of pumps and
tubing was carried on by Simon Davis and later by Henry M.
Field and Anson Field for many years. Just above the pump
works, across the river, another saw mill was built at an early day,
by David Oakes and later owned by Wm. E. Oakes and through
successive conveyances came to Stephen Curtis, the present owner.
At the upper bridge that spans Brown's River, at the place
known as Benajah C. Buxton's mill site, there was a grist mill,
oil mill and saw mill built on the south side of the river about one
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 55
hundred and ten years ago by Uriah Howe. This grist mill, oil
mill and saw mill, were probably the first mills of the kind that
were built in town, and the grist mill was conveyed by Uriah
Howe to Charles Howe and David Oakes in 1808, and the saw
mill was conveyed to Brigham Howe and David Oakes at the
same time, and David Oakes conveyed his interest in the grist
mill to said Charles Howe. Some time previous to 1819 Howe
and Oakes took down the old mills and rebuilt the saw mill, but
not the other mills. In 1826, Secretary Rawson deeded one-
half acre of land on the north side of the river below the bridge
where E. B. Williams' saw mill now stands, to Bradley and Stev-
ens, who built a mill thereon for grinding bark, later a mill for
making tubs and other articles took its place. These mills on
both sides of the river, through many intervening conveyances,
came to Benajah C. Buxton, and he after running the saw mill
for about forty years, conveyed the same to John Early and
James Gribbin in 1873, and they put in at one end of the building
a mill for grinding grain, and those mills were used by them for
grinding grain and manufacturing lumber for several years and
conveyed through several conveyances, to Fred W. and William
M. Buxton, and while they were the owners of them the floods
came in 1892 and washed away the bridge and all of the mills on
both sides of the river, but in 1893 they built a new saw mill and
a box factory on the south side of the river and conveyed the
same to Eugene W. Curtis, but in 1900 they were destroyed by
fire and they have never been rebuilt. About the year 1854
James H. Hutchinson, who had returned from California with
considerable money, built the present grist mill and flouring mill,
just above the lower bridge, and since that time it has beCn suc-
cessively run by him, H. A. Percival and Clark Wilbur, L. B.
Howe and Ferdinand Beach, L. B. Howe and Frank B. Howe,
Moses S. Whitcomb, and the present owner Charles F. Reavy.
While this mill was operated by L. B. and Frank B. Howe, ma-
chinery was put in for making flour by the roller process. It was
one of the first mills in New England that manufactured flour by
that process.
The dwelling house that was owned by Homer Rawson for
many years, and where he resided at his death in 1900, standing a
little east of Jericho village, should be mentioned as an early
56 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
landmark. It was built by Uriah Howe before 1811 and pur-
chased by Secretary Rawson about the year 1816, who occupied
it till his death in 1842 and has always been kept in the Rawson
family. It had served as a hotel, a place for holding religious
meetings before the brick church was built, and for pleasure
parties, and farm house. There was formerly a large hall in
the house that was suitable for public gatherings. The house
has been kept in a fine state of repair to this day.
The village of Jericho Has suffered from several disastrous
fires. In the year of 1874 the harness shop of Orlin Rood and
the old Beach & Howe store that stood on the south side of Main
Street were destroyed by fire, but the harness shop was rebuilt
by Rood, arid a large and commodious store was erected on the
ground where the old store stood by W. N. Pierce. In 1903,
the new harness shop then owned by D. E. Rood, and the new
store built by Pierce, together with the adjoining tin shop and
dwelling house of Joseph Bissonette were reduced to ashes and
have not been rebuilt. Again, in 1904, the Barney Tavern, (so-
called) erected about 100 years ago, as one of the first buildings
of the village, and kept by Erastus D. Hubbell, John Delaware, a
Mr. Stanton, James McNasser, and others, and later for a long
time by Martin C. Barney and his brothers, was consumed by the
flames together with an adjoining grocery building and. the hotel
barns while owned by William Folsom. Again, the dwelling of
Allen A. Chesmore and his grocery store and the post-office and
drug store of E. B. Williams just east of the old Barney tavern
stand, were destroyed by fire in the year 1906, and have not been
rebuilt.
Riverside, and"that part of Jericho known as Underbill Flats
deserves notice. Arthur Bostwick, as early as 1825, built the
hotel that was widely known as the Bostwick House, and was
kept by him and later by his son-in-law Rufus Brown. It was a
popular place for travelers and teamsters transporting freight
from Burlington towards the northeastern part of the state be-
fore the days of railroads. Guests were there welcomed and
hospitably entertained. Later it was kept by L. M. Dixon and
greatly enlarged by him and known as Dixon's Hotel. It was
beautifully located. It was kept for many years for the accom-
modation of summer guests. Soon after Dixon's death in 1886,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 57
it was destroyed by fire in 1890 and not rebuilt. A steam saw
mill for the manufacture of lumber, was built at Riverside about
the year 1876, by Gilbert and Robinson, but it and another that
took its place were destroyed by fire. The last was burned in
1912, but has been rebuilt by H. H. Howard. The rebuilding of
the mills shows the commendable enterprise and purpose to keep
the business running.
In 1906, the Methodist Church, which was built in 1850,
Dr. W. S. Nay's drug store and a nearby dwelling house were
burned, but they have been rebuilt. These calamities, — dis-
astrous fires, — show that misfortunes do not all fall in one lo-
cality or on any one person. In the year 1887 there was built at
that village in Jericho, by Homer Thompson, a mill for grinding
grain and it is still run for that purpose, but it has changed
owners several times. There are two church buildings at that
village in Jericho, — a. Methodist and an Episcopal Church. At
the Center there have been two church buildings, the Congrega-
tional and Universalist. The Congregational Church has had a
prosperous life from the start. The Universalist Society for
many years maintained preaching and had a prosperous society,
but they have not held meetings in their church building for sev-
eral years and their building, erected in 1848, has been sold and
used for other purposes. On the 21st day of April, 1817, a branch
of the Baptist Church in Essex was set off and organized as a
church in Jericho. Meetings were held one-half of the time at
the Corners and the other half at the Center, or at the south part
of the town. After the Academy building was built at the Center
in 1825, the Baptists held meetings in the lower story of that
building for some time. In 1843, thirty-nine persons were set off
and organized into a church called the Second Baptist Church of
Jericho, later known as West Bolton Church. The Baptist
Church of Jericho that was organized in 1817 had no church edi-
fice till 1825 or 1826. The Free Will Baptists had an organiza-
tion in town the fore part of the nineteenth century, but they
had no church edifice, but the spiritual interests of the people
were looked after for many years by Rev. Edward Fay.
The brick church building standing on the church common
at Jericho village has a prominent place in the history of the town.
It was built in the years 1825 and 1826 by the Congregational and
68 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
Baptist Societies on land given for that purpose by Dr. George
Howe, and from that time it was. occupied by each of those so-
cieties on ahernate Sabbaths till 1858, and no other permanent
place for public worship existed in that part of the town till
1858, when the Baptist and Methodist Societies each erected a
building for themselves. Soon after this the brick church build-
ing became very much out of repair, and the Congregational So-
ciety in 1876 and 1877 made extensive repairs on it at the ex-
pense of over $3,000, and have held and sustained religious
services therein ever since that time, and the church is in a pros-
perous condition.
There are two well cared for cemeteries in town, one at the
Center and the other at Jericho Village and they have been the
place for the people to bury their dead for nearly seventy-five
years. The people in both sections of the town have taken com-
mendable interest in keeping the cemeteries in a suitable con-
dition, and in providing funds to keep them so in future.
In 1874 the town bonded in the sum of $23,000 to aid in
building the Burlington and Lamoille railroad extending from
Burlington to Cambridge Junction, which was paid, and the town
is free from debt.
Several qi the residents of the town have been honored by
the voters of the county. John Lyman, in 1852, David Fish in
1858, Andrew Warner in 1862, and E. H. Lane in 1878, were
elected and served as assistant judges of county court. And
Jamin Hamilton in 1848, E. H. Lane in 1867, C. M. Spaulding
in 1876, Buel H. Day in 1884, E. C. Fay in 1894, and John E.
Smith in 1910 were elected and served as county state senators.
Mathew Cole was not only the fourth Representative of the town
in the Vermont Legislature, but he was Probate Judge for
Chittenden County for the years 1795 and 1796. Martin Chit-
tenden was not only the first representative of the town in the
legislature after the state was admitted into the Union ift 1791,
but on Dec. 7, 1790, he was chosen a member for the state con-
vention to be held at Bennington on the first Thursday of January,
1791, to take into consideration and adopt the Federal Constitu-
tion of the United States. He also was Governor of the state
from 1813 to 1815, and Judge of the Probate Court for the
County of Chittenden from 1821 to 1823. During the war with
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 59
Great Britain from 1812 to 1815 he was severely criticized for not
giving his permission, as governor, for the Vermont militia, as a
body, to leave the state to join the land forces at Plattsburg in op-
posing the British army there. The criticism was unjust as Ver-
mont was exposed to British invasion as well as New York,
Noah Chittenden not only represented the town in the Assembly,
but was Judge of Probate for the county in the years of 1811 and
1812. Noah Chittenden was also a member of the Vermont
Council from 1801 to 1812 and Sheriff of Addison County in
1785 when that county extended to Canada line, and Sheriff of
Chittenden County after that county was created from 1787 to
1790, also side judge of Chittenden County from 1804 to 1811 —
the next oldest son of Gov. Thos. Chittenden. Asahel Peck was
• one of Vermont's noblest men. I have been delighted to sit at
his feet and hear him discourse upon the law like as Paul was at
the feet of Gamaliel. He was judge of the Supreme Court of
Vermont from 1861 to August 31, 1874. He came to reside on
his farm in the south part of the town about the year 1870 and
while residing in Jericho he was elected governor of the state
September 1, 1874, and served two years in that office. He was a
wise and conservative governor.
The following named lawyers located and practiced their pro-
fession in Jericho: Martin Post was the first lawyer who prac-
ticed in Jericho ; then Jacob Maeck, a man small in stature, but an
able lawyer and exceedingly quick at repartee. It is said of him
that while trying a case his manner of handling it was annoying to
the attorney opposing him. He finally said to Maeck that if he did
not quit the annoyance he would pick him up and put him in his
pocket. Maeck quickly replied that, "if you do, you will have
more law in your pocket than in your head." Maeck after a few
years of practice here removed to Burlington. David A. Smalley
located and practiced his profession at Jericho for several years,
and went from there to Lowell, Vt., and resided there for a few
months, and then moved to Burlington. He was a leading light
in the Democratic party, both in the state and nation. He not
only was an able lawyer, but was appointed judge of the United
States District Court for Vermont by President James Buchanan,
Jan., 1857, and held that position for many years and until his
death. Frederick G. Hill practiced law at Jericho village for sev-
60 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
eral years and then moved to Burlington. He had a thorough
knowledge of the law, but was rough in his language and de-
meanor. While he was practicing law in this town he spent one
night at Williston.and came home in the gray of the morning. On
his way home he thought he saw a deer in the bushes near the
highway. He made use of his rifle that he carried in his car-
riage and killed the animal, which turned out to be a calf that be-
longed to a man near by. Hill made his peace with the owner
by paying for the calf. E. R. Hard followed Mr. Hill in the
practice of the law here. Mr. Hard was not only an able lawyer,
but a successful practitioner; he also moved to Burlington and
afterwards became state's attorney and state Senator for the
county. (I commenced the practice of the law in Jericho in 1857,
and have continued the practice there ever since that time, to , ,
the present, except twelve years from 1882 to 1894, when I prac-
ticed in Burlington. Six students studied and fitted for the prac-
tice of law in my office. I also wrote and published a four vol-
ume history of Vermont during the years of 1899, 1900 and
1902). C. S. Palmer commenced the practice of law in Jericho
in 1872 and continued it to 1882, when he was appointed
by President Arthur as assistant United States District Attorney
for the territory of South Dakota, and afterwards was appointed
United States Judge for that territory. M. H. Alexander prac-
ticed here for a few years, and P. M. Page is still here. (There
have been two other lawyers who have practiced in town).
There have been many able and worthy physicians who have
resided and practiced their profession in Jericho. The first the
writer has any information of were Dr. Matthew Cole and Dr.
Eleazer Hutchins; Dr. Hutchins settled here in 1791, and was
surgeon of the regiment that was engaged in the Battle of Platts-
burgh in 1814. Dr. George Howe who settled here in 1810 and
practiced here 46 years; Dr. Rawson commenced his practice
here in 1816 ; Dr. Jamin Hamilton, Dr. F. F. Hovey, W. W. B.
Kidder; Doctors B. Y. Warner, Denison Bliss, A. F. Burdick,
W. S. Nay, A. B. Sommers, F. H. Cilley, E. P.. Howe, George B.
Hulburd, A. S. C. Hill, Lewis D. Rood, H. D. Hopkins, Jesse
Thompson, I. M. Bishop,. D. L. Burnett, M. O. Eddy, J. E.
Thompson, George W. Belden and Horace N. Curtis practiced
their profession here.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 61
Of those who have greatly contributed to the business pros-
perity of the town as merchants, there should be named as hav-
ing carried on mercantile business at Jericho Village, Frederick
and Thaddeus Fletcher, John Bliss, George B. Oakes, L. B. Howe,
Ferdinand Beach, O. H. Shaw, Vespasian Leach, Azariah B.
Remington, George Hill, L. P. Carleton, H. A. Percival, Henry M.
Field, John Percival, W. N. Pierce, Charles Suiter and E. B. Wil-
liams. And at the Center the mercantile business' was estab-
lished about 100 years ago by Pliny Blackman and he was fol-
lowed by Frederick Fletcher, Erastus Field, Henry C. Black-
man, E. H. Lane, said Lane and Pierce, E. H. Lane and his son
E. Frank Lane, E. B. Jordan and Henry Jordan under the firm
name of Jordan Brothers, all on the west side of the Common,
and James Morse, W. T. Lee, Cyrus C. Lane, John Stimson and
Osman and Orin Stimson on the south side of the Common.
Horace C. Nash carried on that business in a small way at Nash-
ville for several years, just previous to his enlisting in the army
in the War of the Rebellion. The tannery business was success-
fully run at the Center village by Silas Ransom for a long term
of years from about 1830 to 1870, and by David Fish at Jericho
Village.
There has never been but one hotel kept at the Center
Village, and it stood on the ground where George Cunningham
now resides near the northwest corner of the Green, and was
probably built not later than 1802, though I have been unable to
ascertain the exact date. It was first kept by Moses Billings and
afterwards by Edwin Hard and Charles Hilton and was destroyed
by fire, and none since that time has been built in this village.
For a good many years business in the grocery line, as well as
many other kinds of business that go to make up flourishing vil-
lages, have been carried on by many different persons at Jericho
Village, Riverside and at Jericho Center.
The first newspaper published in Jericho was printed at
Jericho Village in 1882, and for 16 years thereafter, by Arthur D.
Bradford. It was first called the "Chittenden Reporter" and after-
wards the name was changed to the "Jericho Reporter." It was
started as a four page paper but enlarged to an eight page, six
column paper. In 1888 L. H. Roscoe established and printed a
rival paper called The Green Mountain Press. This paper also
62 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
was published at Jericho Village for 16 years. Both of those
papers after each being published here for 16 years, have been
published at Essex Junction and are now published by the Essex
Publishing Company.
The political elections in Jericho have been conducted from
the commencement, with the usual party spirit, but without leav-
ing any lasting bitter feeling. The first Representative was
Jedediah Lane, chosen in 1786. From first to last there have
been 56 different men chosen to represent this town in the Ver-
mont Legislature. Thomas D. Rood received five elections,
James A. Potter received six elections, and Martin Chittenden
eight elections for that office. Here follow the names of all the
Representatives to the present time with the years that each
served as Representative respectively, (viz. : Jedediah Lane, 1786 ;
James Farnsworth, 1787; Lewis Chapin, 1788; Matthew Cole,
1789; Martin Chittenden, (8) 1790 and 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794,
1795, 1797 and 1802; Noah Chittenden, (4) 1796, 1812, 1813 and
1814; Thomas D. Rood, (5) 1798, 1799, 1805, 1816 and 1821;
James A. Potter, (6) 1800, 1801, 1803, 1804, 1806 and 1808;
Solomon Fay, 1807; Arthur Bostwick, 1809; Eleazer Hutchins, ,
(2) 1810 and 1811 ; Herman Lowrey, 1815; William P. Richard-
son, (3) 1817, 1818, 1823; Thomas Chittenden, (son of Noah),
(3) 1819, 1820, 1833; Oliver Lowrey, 1822; Gideon O. Dixon,
(3) 1824, 1825, and 1826; Truman Galusha, (4) 1827, 1828, 1830
and 1832; William A. Prentiss, 1829; Erastus Field, (2) 1835,
and 1836; Lyman Field, 1837 and 1838; Andrew Warner, (2)
1839 and 1840; Labina Bliss, (2) 1841 and 1842; Albert Lee, (2)
1843 and 1844 ; David Fish, 1845 and 1846 ; Hiram Day, 1848 and
1849; Lucius S. Barney, 1850 and 1851; John Smith, 1853 and
1854 ; Leet A. Bishop, 1855 and 1856 ; Elijah B. Reed, 1857 and
1858; H. O. Gibbs, 1859; U. S. Whitcomb, 1860; E. H. Lane,
1862; L. L. Lane, 1864; L. B. Howe, 1868; Adrian S. Lee, 1870;
Buel H. Day, 1872; Gordon Smith, 1874; Orlin Rood, 1876;-
Jesse Gloyd, 1878; C. S. Palmer, 1880; M. V. Willard, 1882;
Isaac C. Stone, 1884; D. E. Rood, 1886; H. W. Packard, 1888;
E. C. Fay, 1890; Lucian H. Chapin, 1892; Martin H. Packard,
1894; Frank B. Howe, 1896; E. B. Jordan, 1898; W. S. Nay,
1900; John A. Smith, 1902; George M. Willard, 1904; Chauncey
HISTORY OF JERlCHOt VERMONT. 63
H. Hayden, 1906; Jed T. Vamey, 1908; Thomas F. Leary, 1910;
Frank S. Ransom, 1912).
From the year 1860 to the present time the elections were
biennial. There have been seven years, (1831, 1832, 1834, 1847,
1852, 1866 and 1869,) when no representative was chosen for
the reason that no one could get a majority of the votes cast.
One of the important offices of the town is that of town
clerk. This office has been filled by eleven different men. (The
number of years that each held the office, though not continuous,
were as follows : Lewis Chapin, the first town clerk, held the office
eighteen years ; Jonathan Castle, one year ; Thomas D. Rood, five
years ; Pliny Blackman, twelve years ; Elias Bartlett, three years ;
John Lyman, twenty-three years ; E. H. Lane, eighteen years ; W.
Trumbull Lee, four years ; E. Frank Lane, four years ; and E. B.
Jordan, twenty-nine years to the present time). These covered a
term of 127 years.
There was much dignity shown in the social intercourse of
the early settlers of Jericho, as was seen with the settlers in 'all
Vermont. There was cordial visiting between townsmen ; every-
body went to church and spent the day at it. It was Puritan
and Pilgrim over again. The towns in those days were much
like little republics; and the town March meeting took on the
character of a sovereign body. The early settlers of Jericho took
on the united traits and character of soldier, statesman and
farmer. Some of them had passed through the trials and hard-
ships that were brought on by the Revolutionary War ; and when
Great Britain sought to invade our country from the north by her
army, in the War of 1812, forty-three Jericho men entered the
military service or volunteered to meet the enemy at the Battle
of Plattsburg. They served under Generals Macomb and Strong
in the land forces. The victory won on land, and under Com-
modore Macdonough on Lake Champlain was instrumental in a
large degree in humbling the pride of the haughty Britains and
causing them to agree to the terms of peace. General Macomb,
in his report of the battle, said, "The Vermont volunteers have
behaved with the coolness of regulars and their conduct has ful-
filled the expectations, which the promptness and spirit with
which they turned out, had raised."
64 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
The War of the Rebellion of 1861 has tested the courage,
the heroic bravery of the Jericho volunteers, as well as those in
other localities, and of their willingness to endure great hard-
ships and make untold sacrifices, and give life itself to put down
the greatest rebellion the world has ever known. Both men and
women who did not go to the front were willing to furnish the
means to carry on the holy war, and furnish aid and comfort for
those in the field. The town also paid large bounties beside the
seven dollars per month, state pay, to induce enlistments and to
support the families that the men left at home as they went to
the front. But it is of those who actually participated in the
conflict that I wish to speak. The town furnished 138 men for the
war under the different calls of President Lincoln, 16 of whom
re-enUsted, 23 died of disease or of wounds, 11 were killed in
action and 12 deserted, but 3 of these 12 deserted before they
were assigned to any organization. Ninety-two were mustered
out or discharged for disability. One was discharged by court
martial. Under the call of the President for 300,000 men in
1863 a draft was ordered and 13 men were drafted from this
town, 7 of whom paid the commutation of 300 dollars each,
and 6 of them furnished substitutes. Six residents of the town,
who were not drafted furnished substitutes who were paid $400
each. The bounties paid for men who entered the service under
the different calls of the President ran from $50 to $550. The
amount expended by the town for bounties and attending ex-
penses was over $30,000. There was but one of the substitutes
that was killed in battle and he was Thomas Gorman, my sub-
stitute, and he was wounded twice in 1864, and was killed in ac-
tion at Petersburgh, Va., April 2, 1865. One man deserted and
joined the Confederate Army, Dec. 13, 1864. With the few ex-
ceptions mentioned the_ men that went into the service to quell
this gigantic rebellion and to brave the dangers and suffer the
hardship incident to such service, all made an honorable and
enduring record. We can but faintly realize the awful scenes at
a fierce battle between contending hostile forces tvhether it re-
sulted in a battle lost or victory won; a faint glimmer may be
seen by letting your mind fly away to the surgeon's operating
table near the battle ground where the wounded begin to come
in, one nursing a shattered arm, ambulances filled with the help-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 65
less, and other comrades brought in on stretchers, faster and faster
they come and are laid down to await their turn at the operating
table; feet and arms that never turned from a foe, without an
owner, strew the ground. Some of rtie disabled recover to re-
turn to their respective regiments, but many did not return to
their regiment or their home. Those who lived to see the end of
that war and were fortunate enough to return home to family
and friends are entitled to our gratitude and generous treatment.
While today we may look back with pride for the deeds of our
townsmen, it is, also, a day for memory and tears. Those who
went down to their death in that struggle, some of whom lay in
unmarked graves in southern soil, we would pay them the tribute
of love ; their deeds and lives were material factors in preserving
our nation intact and making it great and free.
"They went where duty seemed to call.
They scarcely asked the reason why;
They only knew they could but die.
And death was not the worst of all.
— Whittier.
The following former residents responded briefly, Joel Bart-
lett of Shelburne ; Rev. Carlton Hazen, of Kensington, Conn. ;
Mr. Arthur D. Bradford, of St. Albans. President Guy Potter
Benton of the University of Vermont gave a masterly address in
his especially pleasing manner which is given in full.
THE NEW LOYALTY, AN ADDRESS BY GUY POTTER
BENTON.
In these troublous times it is well to have an occasional "Old
Home" day. Such occasions are destructive of present day con-
ceit. We are so wont to boast of modern achievements that we
easily forget the days of ancient accomplishment. We are so
absorbed in our campaigns for reform that we ignore the splen-
did heritage that is ours from the fathers. Our debt to the pioneer
can never be discharged. It is a perennial — ^yea, an eternal obliga-
tion.
66 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
It will be a sad day for a neighborhood, a state or a nation
when the work of the forefathers ceases to be an inspiration to
lofty endeavor. "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy
days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee" is as much a command and consequent promise for the com-
munity as for the individual. To depend altogether upon past
glory for present glory is thoroughly reprehensible. To attempt
to live upon past achievements is to prove unworthy of a toil-
honored ancestry. The past is secure, the fathers have made it
so. Our responsibility is to the mighty present and the mightier
future. We shall prove unworthy of our splendid patrimony un-
less we rear a noble superstructure on the nobk foundation laid
by the pioneers.
The lesson then is clearly to find the golden mean between the
two extremes. Let the spirit of reverential gratitude for our
progenitors be fostered while we address ourselves with all ear-
nestness to the performance of present duty. Here and now on
this occasion for a few brief hours the sons and daughters of the
town of Jericho are girding up the loins of their minds for re-
newed strength by acknowledging the debt of gratitude they owe
to the godly, patriotic fathers and mothers of Jericho.
"All thoughts that mould the Age, begin
"Deep down within the primitive soul ;
"And from the many slowly upward win
"To One who grasps the whole.
"All thought begins in Feeling — wide,
"In the great mass its base is hid,
"And, narrowing up to thought, stands glorified
"A moveless pyramid.
"Nor is he far astray who deems
"That every hope which rises and grows broad
"In the world's heart, by ordered impulse streams
"From the great heart of God."
— J. R. Lowell.
Unconsciously it may be, though certainly, posterity is in-
fluenced in its ideals by the ideals transmitted from forebears. -
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 67
Heredity is a force to be reckoned with. You men and women
of the Jericho today are what you are in conviction and purpose
largely by reason of the convictions and purposes that controlled
the men and women of the Jericho of yesterday and the day be-
fore. A town that traces the origin of its existence back to days
before the Declaration. t)f Independence must have honorable
traditions to its credit. Vermont was not in the forefront of the
Revolutionary struggle as were the other colonies, but it was in
the close proximity that gave it the effect of contact and enabled
it to develop a heroism of a peculiar type. Though not in the
thick of the battle, it did its full duty on the outskirts. Ticon-
deroga and Saratoga were nearby and it provided the famous field
of Bennington within its own borders. For the most part, though,
Vermont was recruiting ground for the later and better civiliza-
tion which was nurtured under the inspiration of the Revolu-
tionary spirit caught from the distance. In times of war the
people living just beyond the theatre of warfare are subjected to
difficulties and hardships often more severe than those endured
by the actual participants in battle. They literally endure as
those who see the invisible. They know of the conflict from
afar and suffer all the privations of a war-infested country with-
out the privilege of sharing in defeat or helping on to victory.
Theirs is the anxiety of patriots toiling in kitchen and field to
provide subsistence for fighting armies while themselves waiting
in expectation of possible invasion and necessary defense.
Who will dare say, then, that dwellers on the borderland of
warfare do not develop a ruggedness of character and a fearless-
ness of soul somewhat different but no less worthy than that pro-
duced in the presences of smoking guns? Vermont gave many
brave soldiers to the Revoltition but its heroes at home, ready to
go to the front at a moment's call, developed, while waiting, a
stoical bravery unsurpassed, if indeed not unmatched, by those
who faced death at the cannon's mouth.
It goes without the saying that he is a brave man who
faces showers of leaden hail from hostile guns in defense of
country, but the highest type of courage is that which brings no
applause from the multitude but holds the man or woman true to
principle without regard to consequences in the monotonous
round of the work-a-day life. This is the courage which always
68 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
rings true in absolute sincerity of purpose and aggressive pursuit
of righteousness, without pomp or parade and this is the type
of character, the splendid quality of patriotism bequeathed by the
heroes and heroines of the early days in Vermont to those of us
who face the problems of a later generation.
What will we do with our legacy? How shall we use our
rich inheritance? Certainly not by forgetting the spirit and toil
which brought it forth. Surely not by merely marking time and
making the achievements of the past our sole means of subsist-
ence.
The pioneer by his clearing, his breaking and his building be-
queathed to later generations the types of manhood and woman-
hood that should be builded as the superstructure of our newer
civilization. On an anniversary day such as this the pioneer type
should loom big before us, inspiring us to strive to present to
civilization a race of strong men, brave men, good men, home-
loving men and patriotic men.
Our forefathers were strong — strong in body and in char-
acter. There is virtue in physical strength. A strong body un-
der control is a good basis for a towering intellect and lofty moral
conception. To abuse the body is to destroy intellectual possibil-
ities and vitiate moral force. A proper conservation of the
physical strength inherited from the fathers will guarantee to so-
ciety a race of men sturdy of body and stalwart of character.
Our ancestors were wanting neither in bravery nor good-
ness. The perils of wilderness, of mountain, of lake, and of
battlefield are testimony of the one ; the Christian Church in every
town and hamlet certify to the other.
Those who blazed the way for us more than a century and a
quarter agone were a home-loving folk. They reared their cot-
tages and their cabins not alone to shelter themselves and their
families from the changing vicissitudes of weather. Every man's
home was his castle wherein he reigned supreme. There he set
up the family altar and magnified the Bible as the Word of God.
There he instilled by precept and example, in the sacred privacy of
happy domesticity, those ideals which he reverently believed
would guarantee through his children the continuing progress of
the race toward better things. This beautiful conception of the
home life is still cherished in New England and New England
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 69
has indelibly impressed it upon the nation. There are alarmists
who would have us believe that apartment houses, the servant
problem and the menace of the suffragettes threaten the utter de-
struction of the American home. I beg of you not to believe it.
The home did not originate in Vermont nor in New England nor
in America. Some would declare that it had its origin in the
ancient civilization of the Teutons — but even that is not al-
together true. The home, which is the ideal institution of our
later civilization, found the reason for its existence in the standard
established by Him who taught in the unroofed school-rooms of
Galilee, saying, "For this cause shall a man leave father and
mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one
flesh." It is true that our Teutonic ancestors in Germany and
Great Britain gave the first fine concrete expression to the divine
command. Our puritan forefathers caught it up and transplanted
it in New England and New England has established it forever
and secure in the Western Hemisphere.
Men naturally love home and the teachings of Jesus have so
exalted the ideal of the family that the holy institution is bound
to command increasing reverence with the added years. The halo
of glory divine has been thrown about the precious words sister,
mother, wife, daughter, through the decades until today it out-
shines in dazzling splendor the glory of the noon-day sun and it
will gleam with resplendent, undying lustre when the night of
earth has become the eternal morning of heaven.
Those who are childless are conscious always of something
lacking to satisfy the consciousness of earthly completeness. The
entwining arms of unselfish loving little ones about the neck never
fail to impress those who are not blessed with children of their
own and he who has precious jewels of his own finds life empty,
hollow without their presence. The most practical matter-of-
fact man of affairs away from home for a little time on business
is overcome by sense of depressing homesickness and writes of
THE LITTLE TADS AT HOME.
"Of course we know we love 'em when we're with 'em every day,
"And we'd know it in a minute if one chanced to get away ;
"But we take a lot for granted in the common course of life ;
"And the world keeps tugging at us with its everlasting
e strife.
70 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
"But when a little journey of a hundred miles or so
"Gets between us and the garden where the olive branches
grow:
"There's a sense of something lacking when the quiet hours come ;
"And a rush of tender longing for the little tads at home.
"We think they're awful noisy and we wish they'd let us be,
"When there's half a dozen scrapping for a place upon our
knee;
"We want to read the paper and we'd like a chance to think,
"It's a wonder such a racket doesn't drive a man to drink !
"But the little hotel chamber is as quiet as a tomb,
"Not a note of childish laughter comes to drive away the
gloom ;
"And we'd give a thousand dollars, as we glower in our room —
"For a jolly evening tussle with the little tads at home.
"We do a little reading, then we try a quiet thought,
"But the page gets dim and blurry as with tears we are
caught ;
"And we sit beside the window in the twilight chill and gray;
"While our thoughts go flying homeward to the cottage far
away;
"The same Old moon shines on us that has kissed them with her
beams
"As we seek our lonely pillow to be with them in our dreams,
"And the last coherent murmur ere the mind begins to roam —
"Is a whispered 'God bless mamma and the little tads at
home.' "
The home is a Christian institution and it will continue so
long as the Christian religion continues as a potent force in the
civilization processes. We pause today for a moment to do honor
to the forefathers who planted the home on secure foundations
in Vermont. Shall we not here and now, solemnly pledge our-
selves that we will perpetuate the memory of the fathers by dedi-
cating our lives anew to the perpetuation of the Christian religion
and the home which has grown from it?
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 71
Surely patriotism includes strength, bravery, goodness and
domesticity but all these traits of patriotic citizenship require
modification to make them adaptable to the needs of each suc-
ceeding age in our progressive and ever-progressing civilization.
May we not then with perfect propriety on this auspicious anni-
versary consider the meaning and the demand of THE NEW
LOYALTY?
It is well to distinguish between patriotism and loyalty.
Patriotism finds its origin in the Greek word Patriotes which
means fellow-countryman. Patriotism is concerned with the na-
tional rather than the local spirit. It has to do with devotion to
country rather than to neighborhood.
Loyalty, on the other hand, admits of various applications,
Loyalty is included in patriotism and yet it is more than patriot-
ism. One may be loyal without being patriotic but one can not be
patriotic without being loyal. Patriotism is fealty to the father-
land. Loyalty is fidelity, faithfulness, constancy, devotion. It
may be limited simply to an individual or it may extend to a
group. It may reach out and take in a county or a state. During
the Civil War or fifty years ago the people of the South were
loyal to their own states but none of us would declare that they
were patriotic. The people of the North were both loyal and
patriotic. Because they were loyal to the nation they were
patriots. Patriotism and loyalty are synonymous only when loy-
alty is given its largest application and means devotion to coun-
try.'
Loyalty is of the best sort when it manifests itself in every
possible way — in allegiance to individuals, in allegiance to family,
in allegiance to neighborhood, in allegiance to state and in al-
legiance to country, which is patriotism. All these forms of loy-
alty should be cultivated.
Loyalty to self is commendable. The individual who does
not believe in himself will not enjoy the confidence of others. It
is related that some years ago two gentlemen were earnestly en-
gaged in a discussion in the rotunda of the State Capitol in Bos-
ton. General Ben Butler was passing by when the discussion was
hottest and was halted by one of the participants. "General," said
the gentleman, "we are in dispute as to who is the greatest lawyer
in Massachusetts." "Well," quickly answered the bluff old hero
72 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
of New Orleans, "I'll settle that for you, I'm the greatest lawyer
in this state." "Yes, ah — I know, but — ^but General," queried
the gentleman, "but — ah, but how are we to prove it ?" "Prove it !
Prove it !" thundered Butler, "You don't have to prove it ! I ad-
mit it." No doubt that is self confidence somewhat overdone.
The finest loyalty to self is that begotten of "a conscience void of
offense toward God and toward men." The consciousness of a
pure heart and unselfish motives, coupled with a belief in one's
own possibilities, induces the self-respect which makes loyalty to
self attainable. To be worthy of loyalty to one's self is a noble
aspiration to foster.
With self-loyalty as a necessary prerequisite to all loyalty,
the individual is ready to cultivate the spirit of broad and con-
stantly broadening loyalty which reaches out in devotion to the
members of his own family, his tribe or his clan. That man is
inexcusably narrow, however, who limits his interest to those
of his own household. The prayer of the old deacon, "O Lord,
bless me and my wife, my son John and his wife, us four and no
more" would not carry a man very far along the way toward
world-wide brotherhood and universal human betterment.
It seems hardly necessary to urge the importance of town
loyalty in Vermont. Local pride is a dominant characteristic
of our people. And why should it not be .so? I always have a
feeling when I leave a town that it is not of quite the same im-
portance that it was when I was living in it. Well, now, that
sounds a -bit egotistical, doesn't it? But it is no egotism. It
simply means that my interest in the former dwelling-place,
though by no means lost, is transferred in large measure to the
new community where by reason of my living, my obligation
properly belongs. It is inconceivable that one can develop any
degree of efficiency in service to the larger units unless he has
demonstrated his worth in service to the smaller unit.
It, of course, goes without the saying that every true citizen
is loyal to his own state. If he is not loyal he is not a true citizen.
He who believes in his own state is best fitted to contribute to its
advancement. There is, however, need of discrimination be-
tween loyalty that is fundamental and loyalty that is purely ad-
ventitous. The one is real — the other is unreal. One is well
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 73
foundationed. The other is foundationless, because it is founded
on egotism or self interest.
If we are loyal to our state simply because we are Vermonters
or for the reason that we happen to live here, then our loyalty is,
indeed,' of the most superficial quality. General Horace Porter
in his wonderfully illuminating work entitled "Campaigning with
Grant" relates a most interesting incident in the life of the
"silent chieftain." After that awful carnage of "The Wilder-
ness," just as Grant and his staff emerged, a band of negro
musicians struck up a familiar tune. The members of the staff
smiled audibly but the great Commander was grim and immobile
as usual. He was, though, sufiSciently interested to inquire the
reason for the merriment and when by way of reply he was asked
if he did not recognize the tune "Ain't I Glad to Get Out ob de
Wilderness?" his answer was that he only knew two tunes —
"One," he said, "was Yankee Doodle and the other wasn't." The
superficial loyalist knows even less of real loyalty than General
Grant knew of music. He knows but two things, namely, to love
what he has and to despise what he has not.
The true loyalist is never complacent. He feels an interest
in the state or locality where his lot is cast and looks about to see
what he may find already existing to accentuate his interest and
to stimulate his just pride. He studies possibilities and finds
his largest loyalty developed by cooperating with his fellow citi-
zens to make his own town or village or state all that it may be on
the basis of its possibilities.
In Vermont there is ample ground for state loyalty in what
the state has been and is now. The record of history is all to our
credit. From 1609 when Samuel Champlain, the first white man
to look upon Vermont, passed by our western shores, through
the War of the Rebellion and the Spanish American War up to
this year of Grace nineteen hundred and thirteen the achievements
of Vermont on the field of warfare and in peaceful pursuits have
been such as to challenge the admiration of mankind and to
arouse feelings of commendable pride in all our own people.
The first settlement was made in 1665 by the French who
built Fort Saint Anne on Isle La Motte. The first permanent
settlement was made at Bennington in 1761. The entire terri-
tory now bearing the name of Vermont was claimed by New
74 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Hampshire and the governor of that state exercising what he be-
lieved to be his rightful authority, between 1762 and 1768, con-
veyed to settlers in Vermont one hundred and thirty-eight town-
ships of land called "The New Hampshire Grants." It was the
insistence of New York, however, that all this land was right-
fully hers under a charter granted by Charles II to the Duke of
York and in 1763 Governor Tryon ordered a sheriff to eject all
settlers holding lands under titles from New Hampshire. Then
the hardy settlers of these mountains and valleys under the lead
of Ethan Allen and Seth Baker and others formed themselves
into companies, banded together to protect each other against all
efforts to drive them from their lands. These were the celebrated
"Green Mountain Boys" whose opposition to the New York of-
ficers was so resolute and effective that the latter were corri-
pelled to return home without accomplishing their purpose. New
York appealed to King George and obtained a decision supporting
its title. The settlers, though, had paid for their lands and re-
fused to give them up even at the behest of a king. A bloody
contest was averted only by the opening of the Revolutionary
War which so occupied the attention of all true Americans that ■
minor disputes seemed insignificant and were lost in the larger
questions. The settlers, however, intent on maintaining their
rights, met in convention, adopted a constitution, proclaimed
their independence, chose representatives to Congress and applied
for admission to the Confederacy.
Through the persistent opposition of New York, Congress
refused to consider the proposition to make a new state, so Ver-
mont set up an independent government and renewed her bound-
ary troubles with New York and New Hampshire. In October,
1790, it was agreed that New York should cease opposition to
the admission of Vermont to the Union on the payment of thirty
thousand dollars for disputed land claims. This was paid and
after nearly fifty years of heroic struggle in defence of her rights
Vermont, on the 18th day of February, 1791, was admitted as
the fourteenth state of the American Union.
Though occupied with these internecine troubles Vermonters
never lost sight of their larger obligation to the great nation which
was born out of our larger conflict with England. The
sturdy settlers of this independent state rendered valiant service
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 75
to the other states during the Revolutionary War at Ticonderoga,
Crown Point and Bennington. And to make the situation yet
more complex and trying the British troops were striving to
over-run the state by rushing in upon Vermont from Canada,
hoping to retain it as a British colony. Ethan Allen and Ira Al-
len were alert and valiant leaders of the people, however, and by
diplomacy and bravery in proper combination they saved Ver-
mont to the United States, a
In the Civil War Vermont furnished 35,242 Union soldiers,
or one for every ten of its entire population, and one-half of all
its able-bodied men. Is not the record of our history from the
very beginning up to the auspicious present, then, glorious enough
to stir the loyalty to this state which should be made manifest in
undying devotion?
Then, the scenery contributed by the Master Builder of the
universe to Vermont is a constant stimulus to the loyalty of him
who has eyes that see. It was William H. Lord who in writing
of Vermont scenery declared that "A few regions God has made
more beautiful than others. His hand has fashioned some
dreams or symbols of Heaven in certain landscapes of earth;
and we have always thought the Almighty intended when He
formed the -hills of Vermont and shook out the green drapery
of the forests over their sloping shoulders, and made them in
folds like the robe of a king along their sides, to give us a dim
picture of the new creation and the celestial realm."
Then think of our splendid type of citizenship in this state
and fail in loyalty to Vermont if you can! The frontiersmen
who blazed their ways through the trackless forests in defiance of
wild beasts and blood-thirsty savages to build homes and found a
worthy civilization for posterity were no ordinary men. They
felled the trees, tilled the land, threw up the highways, bridged
the streams, erected their school-houses and reared their churches
in the face of difficulties that would have bafiEled or defeated men
of the common type. These men of the early Vermont with the
heroic, God-fearing women who were their faithful help-mates
were progenitors from whose loins have sprung the Vermont
citizenship of the present day, the most independent, truth-loving
and industrious in the sisterhood of states.
-76 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
It has become the fashion in some quarters to speak sneer-
ingly of the commercial and agricultural standing of Vermont
but we need not assume a cringing or apologetic attitude at this
point. There are more than 30,000 farms in this state with a total
acreage of 4,600,000 acres, valued at above $112,000,000— an
increase of 35 per cent, in the 10 years extending from 1901-
1911. Encouraging also is the knowledge that the average farm
consists of 143 acres, indicating tljat our people own their own
property and are not victims of any oppressive land-lord system.
No feudal castle or patroon system has ever existed in free Ver-
mont. In this respect, also, the state stands unique.
Talk about "abandoned farms!" Connect that thread-bare
expression with the fact that in 1910 our live-stock in Vermont
consisted of 94,000 horses, 285,000 dairy cows, 210,000 other
cattle, 95,000 hogs and 229,000 sheep. Bear in mind that our
annual wool-clip approximates a quarter of a million dollars
annually and that in 1911, 1,509,000 dollars worth of wheat,
$2,157,000 worth of potatoes and $16,926,000 worth of hay should
be placed to the credit of Vermont and then be cynical if you
can concerning our agricultural resources.
It is only necessary to consult such authority as the Report
of the United States Geological Survey to learn that in 1909 the
mineral output of Vermont including clay products, lime, min-
eral waters, ochre, sand and gravel, slate, stone, marble and
granite, talc, soapstone and other products were valued at the
princely sum of $8,626,929. Is that a discouragement to state
loyalty ?
And how about our manufactured products? I regret that
I have no later authority on this subject than the United States
Industrial Census of 1905 which shows that the value of the
manufactured products in Vermont for that year was more than
$63,000,000. It is fair to assume that in these eight years of
unexampled prosperity we have made a normal advance in the
value of manufactures and here once more we find a proper
stimulant for state loyalty.
Then turn your attention to our pubhc institutions and our
educational system and find justification for becoming loyalty.
Homes for the poor, institutions for destitute children, reforma-
tories, hospitals, industrial schools and alms-houses indicate that
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 77
our people are alive to the obligation they owe to society and its
erring and unfortunate children. Church spires pointing heaven-
ward in every neighborhood are testimony to our reverence for
God and our belief in the eternal verities.
In common with other New England States we find Vermont
in the very beginning of its existence providing for the education
of its childhood and youth. The Constituton of 1777 recognized
the necessity of a system of public education complete from ele-
mentary schools to University and the organic law of the state
adopted in 1793 declared "a competent number of schools ought
to be maintained in each town for the convenient instruction of
youth and one or more grammar schools be incorporated and
properly supported in each County of this State." Even away
back in the days of the New Hampshire Grants this inchoate
state of ours was laying the foundation of our common school es-
tabhshment. In 1762, the very next year- after the first perma-
nent settlers had housed their families at Bennington, they taxed
themselves to build a school-house. From that day on Vermont
has been no laggard in providing its childhood and youth with
facilities for elementary and secondary schooling. It is true, no
doubt, that our school-houses and appliances are not all that they
should be, and neither, for that matter, are they so in any other
state in the union. We should have a care that Vermont is not by
slander of her own people held up to the contempt of the rest of
the world. It has been my privilege to visit and gain some first-
hand knowledge of nearly every one of the United States and I
can not condemn too severely the reflections of discredit upon
Vermont people and Vermont institutions that have been circu-
lated through the public prints and flung from the platform to the
humiliation of every loyal citizen of our fair state. I have no
question but that the moral standards of some Vermonters liv-
ing in our cities as well as in the isolated mountain towns are
lower than they should be, but at our worst we have no record
of murderous police officers such as shames New York ; we have
no reputation as a nursery for unapprehended criminals as
Chicago has; there is no stench of graft rising above any Ver-
mont city like that of San Francisco ; there is here no exploita-
tion of white slavery such as St. Louis has known; the illicit
78 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
stills and law-evading moonshiners of Kentucky have no kindred
spirits in the mountain fastnesses of Vermont.
It is a sad fact that many of our school surroundings are
unattractive and many of our schoolrooms bare and destitute
of necessary apparatus, but we are not peculiar in these re-
spects. Turn to an editorial in the issue of The Journal of Edu-
cation for the 17th of July, 1913, and read this report of a school
survey of one of the wealthiest and most populous states to the
west of us. "School-rooms are insufficient, equipment inade-
quate, and conveniences often lacking in comfort and sanita-
tion !" That statement could be duplicated in every state in the
Union. We should have a care that we do not defile our, own
garments unnecessarily to invite a contempt from mankind that
Vermont does not deserve. The "muck-raker" perhaps has a
mission but he exceeds his mission when, to get into the public
eye, he heaps unmerited obloquy upon those whose glory and
honor he should defend.
With words of patriotic wisdom Doctor Winship declares
that "The little red school-house is still a potent influence though
it has in recent years changed its color and increased its size."
We want to put more maps and charts and globes and devices in-
side these country schools. We want to make the out-buildings
sanitary and decent. We hope to have green lawns and attrac-
tive walks about our little school-houses. We shall have school
gardens and we will lead many other states in these improve-
ments because it is theVermont spirit to lead and not because we
have been held up to unjust shame and ignominy before the en-
tire world.
Why may we not point with loyal pride to such service-hon-
ored institutions as St. Johnsbury Academy, Montpelier Seminary,
Bellows Free Academy, St. Michael's College, Hopkins Hall, Troy
Conference Academy, People's Academy and other similar
schools that have given to our boys and girls a fitting for life and
higher education that has made Vermont famous for the thorough-
ness of its secondary training? Why not point to such efficient
high schools as Rutland, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Barre, Bur-
lington, Montpelier and St. Albans and announce to the universe
that we are striving to bring all others up relatively to the stand-
ard set by these? Why not call attention to the fact that we
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 79
have such institutions of higher learning as the University of
Vermont founded in 1791, Middlebury College established in
1800 and Norwich University started in 1834 and declare our
loyalty to the state based upon the satisfaction of what our state
has been educationally and what we expect it to be with the
progressive march of civilization?
The largest ground for our state loyalty, of course, lies not
so much in what we have been as in what we expect to be. Our
past history is a splendid inspiration but it is our possibilities of
material, intellectual and moral development that should consti-
tute our chief incentive to endeavor. The challenge to realize on
our wonderful opportunities for growth should be the quickening
spur to greater loyalty — ^the motive for the nurture of that loy-
alty which grows by helping in the accomplishment of a worthy
task.
If all these things have been done in a green tree, "what
shall be done in the dry?" Our farms have not yet reached the
limit of their productiveness. The law of diminishing returns
has hot yet begun to operate in Vermont. For nearly a half
century the fertile prairie lands of the western states have had a
glamour cast about them that has drawn away many of our
promising young men from the state of their fathers. They have
gone where they thought material wealth might easier and more
quickly be found, not realizing that they were leaving "acres of
diamonds" behind them in their native hills and valleys. But the
days of homesteading are over and the lure of the Dakotas and
Kansas and Nebraska and the farther West is not so strong as
it once was. Our young men and women in coming years will
catch the spirit of the new loyalty which will at once give them a
due appreciation of the priceless heritage bequeathed by their
ancestors and a proper understanding of the resources that lie
latent in Vermont. Under the spell of this new loyalty we shall
no longer offer our best young life to other states. The applica-
tion of scientific methods in intensive agriculture will guarantee
returns from the soil of Vermont that will multiply the volume
and the value of our crops and insure the increasing self-respect
that is always born of moderate prosperity.
Our brooks and creeks and rivers have not yet begun to pay
the toll that may be secured from them. Our highways are not
80 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
the Standing invitation to easy travel that they may become. Our
railroads and trolley lines have not all been built. Our lakes
are not yet floating all the commerce they can carry. The
young Vermonter with an eye open to the opportunities afforded
by the development of our unequalled water-power facilities and
the improvement of transportation may catch the spirit of a new
loyalty that will set him to work on our great engineering prob-
lems and make him invaluable in the service of a state growing
continually richer by the proper utihzation of its natural re-
sources.
Then, when the new loyalty has brought Vermont to its own
in agriculture and commerce, manufacturing industries will be
multiplied, mercantile pursuits will increase, more doctors and
lawyers will be needed and prosperity will smile day and night
upon a people happy in the consciousness of residence in a state
compelled to yield the best it has for the welfare of its citizen-
ship.
But this new loyalty will do more than add to the material
advancement of Vermont. Sad indeed is the condition of any
people so surfeited with temporal success or so drunk with the
wine of mere physical satisfaction that they shut themselves up
within themselves and forget the great obligation for social ser-
vice. The new loyalty should beget a larger interest in human-
kind.
For centuries men have been repeating the command of the
Master "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" but it is to be
feared that many times these words are "as sounding brass and
tinkling cymbal." Who is your neighbor of the divine conception?
He lives in the next dooryard, to be sure. He lives down the
street ; he lives in the next town, in the next county, in the next
state. Your neighbor sails the seas and scales the mountains. He
pastures his flocks on the hillsides and waters them in the brooks
of the valley. Your neighbor is the judge on the bench, the sewer
digger of the streets. Your neighbor dwells on the bleak mount
and plains, he toils in the cane-brakes hard by the bayous of Louis-
iana. Your neighbor is the child-kiUing mother of Hindoostan,
the almond-eyed Celestial, the flat-nosed negro, the Australian
bushman, the European gentleman. Your neighbor is the raving,
wild-eyed maniac of the asylum, the striped clothed convict be-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 81
hind prison bars. Your neighborhood is not circumscribed by
the narrow limits of your own community. It reaches out to the
islands of the seas and the ends of the earth — it is as broad as
creation, as inclusive as the universal man. Then "love thy
neighbor as thyself."
THE HOUSE BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
"There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content:
There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament:
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran —
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
"Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by —
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scomer's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban —
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
"I see from my house by the side of the road
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope.
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears —
Both parts of an infinite plan —
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
"I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height :
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
82 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
But still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
"Let me live in my house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by —
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong.
Wise, foolish— so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat
Or hurl the cynic's ban ?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man."
Loyalty, like charity, begins at home. To grow this spirit
of universal neighborhood we must cultivate a love for the men
and women of our own town and state. There must be a tender
heart for our poor and needy. When we realize our obligations
to all mankind aright we will realize our special obligation to those
who live nearer to us. This new loyalty finds its expression in
public libraries and reading rooms, in the encouragement of en-
tertainments of a refining character, in clean door-yards, streets
and highways, in improved sanitation and conditions that pro-
mote the general health.
The new loyalty will create a living church to rise upon the
empty forms and ceremonies. It will insist upon constantly im-
proving educational facilities all the way from the kindergarten
to the college and through the University.
I have been much interested in reading an article from the
pen of Professor Carl Holliday of Southwestern University en-
titled "A Brief Account of Ancient Schools Written A. D. 2300."
Placing himself forward at that date he says : "Recently while I
was looking over some ancient books dealing with education it oc-
curred to me that it might be pleasing to the readers of this good
year 2300 to be told something about the schools of the early
days — say about the year 1913. With this idea in mind I set
myself to the pleasant task of investigating the old records in the
volumes of the government library in our city and hoping to sur-
prise the enlightened folk of my own time I myself became amaz-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 83
ed at the crudeness, the barbarity and absolute cruelty of the
former methods of training children.
I found that the school buildings were indeed strange con-
trivances. They were frequently built three, four or even five
stories high and even in that unobservant age, the dangers of
fire were so evident that each teacher was required to put the
pupil through what was known as firedrills. My readers may
wonder why in the face of such perils the structures were erected
in that fashion. So far as I have been able to discover the rea-
son lay in the stinginess of the public. They could not spare
the land. Space in the cities was indeed rather high even in that
day, but the price was nothing compared with the values now set
on the same areas by the Government Commissioners of
valuation, and yet the public of the twentieth century cooped
up children in tall 'fire-traps' lest the city tax be increased
a few cents per individual. Indeed it was not until near
the close of the century that various states began to make one-
storied school houses obligatory. Think of it ! Instead of enter-
ing the low broad structures of today and looking out upon shady
lawns and play grounds, the poor little rascals of those ancient
times climbed up above where the tree tops should have been
and regularly practiced saving their lives from dangers brought
on by the close-fisted citizens.
It was not until about the year two thousand that it was made
unlawful to place another structure within three hundred feet of
a school-house and even then some of the old-fashioned people
complained that the world was being given up to the children.
And can I describe to you the interiors of one of these an-
cient schools — the barrenness, the soul-killing regularity and the
utter desolation of it all ? The boys and girls were required to sit
in what were called desks, (A desk was a wooden seat with a wri-
ting board attached to the seat in front) and these desks were
screwed to the floor ! I found in the record of. the proceedings
of the Boston School Board that in the year 1940 a gentleman
asked the members if their chairs and dining-tables and pianos
were screwed to the floor in their homes and they informed him
that regularity in the seating had to be preserved or else there
could be no discipline. Ah ! discipHne was a great matter in those
days. The Pedagogs of the twentieth century forgot that soul
84 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
growth and not discipline was the aim of education. These
desks were all built alike, looked equally ugly and were apparently
an invention of his Satanic Majesty. They were placed in regu-
lar rows so that every pupil had to look squarely to the front and
woe to the youngster who cast his eyes to the right or to the left.
The cruelty of the system was nothing short of astounding.
How the little ones kept from going stark mad would be
the wonder of our day. The walls were almost invariably a glar-
ing white or a dirty grey, and were as blank as a desert. The
idea had not occurred to school boards that a tint of green or
other restful color might save many an eye and brain. There was
absolutely no place for the eye to rest itself, all was alike. Doubt-
less you are thinking that the tired youngsters could at least gain
refreshment by gazing now and then out of the windows, but no,
the windows in numerous schools were purposely placed above the
heads of the children so that their attention might not be dis-
tracted from their books. Even if they could have looked out
they would have seen no flowers, no trees, no fountains and no
birds only tall grim storehouses and ugly, smoky factories. Oh!
It was pitiful. Seldom indeed were there any pictures on the walls
and such as there were, were not in colors, but simply plain black
and white copies. The custom of painting patriotic scenes and
beautiful views upon the walls did not prevail until about two
thousand and twenty, and even then, some parents angrily declared
the children were sent to school to look at their books and not at
the walls. They had not discovered that an ounce of inspiration
is worth a pound of fact. Growing flowers and potted ferns and
palms may have been in the rooms as now: but I could find no
record of such a thing. AH ! I wonder what the poor little boys
and girls of the twentieth century did with the eyes God gave
them to find beauty with. How those eyes must have suffered!
Because of the custom of building school-houses several stories
high each room did not have a glazed skylight as now but the
light came in, day after day, from a row of high uncurtained
windows. The result of this was numerous cross-eyed, wall-
eyed and weak-eyed children and the condition became so pitiful
that about the year 1910 many cities appointed school inspectors
of eyes. But it was not until long afterwards that the true reme-
dies were applied. Even after the children left the school-
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 85
rooms there was little eye-rest ; for in those days it was custom-
ary to make pavements of white or light gray concrete, and to
walk a mile on these on a bright day was nothing sort of torture.
Toward the close of the twentieth century the green and dark
blue pavement so common now came into use. One of the comic
papers of 1991 stated that in earlier days aldermen painted the
town red, but now were painting it green. I tried to discover the
meaning of this, but nowhere could I find that aldermen had been
so lavish with paint, except white-wash, which was mentioned
by numerous papers.
A most cruel requirement of the early twentieth century was
that of night work on the part of the boys and girls. Whereas
now it is against the law for parents to allow a child under fifteen
to read at all after nine o'clock, the children of those days were
loaded with studies to be carried on. at home and in the higher
grades the young people often times boasted of sitting up until
one and two o'clock to prepare for examinations. I happened to
find a newspaper, printed in 1908, that a member of the Texas
Legislature proposed a bill to make such night work unlawful;
but his colleagues declared that this was only a blow at a business
concern then known as the Standard Oil Company and his bill
was laughed .down. Almost a century later the wisdom of his
idea was realized by all thinkers.
As I read these musty old records, I wondered why every-
body did not go blind in those times. All the school books were
then printed on white paper and often a glossy white at that.
The letters were invariably in black, thus the little fellows read
and read until they must have been haunted by specks of black
and white. Today only a minute per cent, of our college boys and
girls are bothered with spectacles; but some pictures I found
among the records lead me to believe that the student body, es-
pecially the professors of the twentieth century were partners in
a glass factory.
In those strange years the preservation of health was a very
unimportant matter. That rare disease known as tuberculosis
or consumption was most common then, and children afflicted
with it sat in the same room as the other children. In 1909 an
open air school for such unfortunates was established in Chicago
and the newspapers in that year show that numerous taxpayers
7
86 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
looked upon it as a down-right waste of money. The lack of
playgrounds, the scarcity of trees and plants, the dust caused
by unoiled streets and by the use in the schools of chalk for wri-
ting on blackboards, the defective heating systems, the germs hid-
den in dirty wooden floors, and the custom of sleeping with closed
windows, all these, at length, made this disease such a scourge
that about the year 1950 the whole nation spent miUions upon
millions in destroying the sources of the pestilence.
It may seem ridiculous and yet it is really true that in the
twentieth century laws had to be made compelling children to
go to school. Part of the resistance came from parents, but most
of it from the children themselves. Whereas the child of today
loves the activities of education and looks upon the school as its
second home, I find that the normal boy of four centuries ago
dreaded and even hated the institution.
At length it was discovered that the cramped position long
maintained in sitting at a desk would make any natural creature
restive or dull or vicious, and by the year 1975 all schools had
adopted a curriculum in which each hour of mental work was
followed by an hour of physical work such as carving, moulding,
gardening, etc. There was an astonishing decrease, not only of
misbehavior, but also of truancy, and I suppose there has not been
a case of punishment for unnecessary absence in a hundred years.
Besides the total over-sight of animal activities there were
other causes to make school hateful. The end of all teaching in
the twentieth century seems to have been facts, facts, facts. In-
spiration was a neglected factor. In their search for facts—
which were of minor value in literature and arts — ^they crushed
all the rich blood out of the subject, and the boys did not care
for the dry bones that remained. About the middle of the twen-
tieth century teachers of the various literatures began to
call music, painting and sculpture to their aid, and now as we
know, ev,ery literary course has its musical recitals to illustrate
such matters as the poetry of Shakespeare, Byron, Haine and
Tennyson. But these changes did not come without a struggle.
When in 1950 the University of Chicago appointed a musician
to assist the instructors in literature, the papers of the city an-
nounced the fact in sarcastic head lines, while one presented the
hideous cartoon picturing a professor of English singing Omar
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 87
Khayyam's "Rubaiyat" to the accompaniment of an Italian organ
grinder.
Music, it seems, was looked upon as a fashionable frivolity
for women and most men received theirs through the now anti-
quated phonograph. Not until about the year 2000 was it thor-
oughly realized that this branch of learning had as important an
influence upon the growth of the perfect man as Mathematics,
Literature or History. About that date, however, the various
states made the teaching of music compulsory, and for the past
two hundred years every school building has had its school
musician to play and explain the best quality of music daily.
As I read the strange books and strange newspapers of four
centuries ago the fact dawned upon me that there were then no
school or church theaters. Could it be possible ? Vigorous search
brought to light the statement that in the first decade of the
twentieth century a New York church made a feeble effort along
this line, but had been so violently condemned by the other
churches that the effort was abandoned. Many preachers pro-
nounced the histrionic art an invention of the devil, but as time
passed, the Kindergarten pointed out that children loved to act ;
dances imitating the dances of animals were introduced; and
from this strange beginning the little ones were allowed to pro-
gress until today I suppose there is no city school in the world
without its theater. Strange to say, in the ancient days students
simply read and commented upon the dramatic masterpieces and
were not encouraged to act them.
Is it any wonder that boys ran away and risked receiving
painful whippings? There was so little of genuine human in-
terest. I found that young people were compelled to study
Zoology and yet no town was compelled by law, as now, to main-
tain a museum or Zoological garden. Private concerns called
'Circuses' collected large numbers of wild animals and gave ex-
hibitions under vast tents and these seem to have satisfied the
human craving in the pupils. These strange shows apparently
served a good purpose ; but I was startled to learn that they were
condemned by most of the clergy, and that some ministers lost
their positions for being seen there by the church members.
Such was the stupidity of the "good old times.' Ought we to be
surprised to discover the schools were then open but nine
88 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
months of the year ? It is a marvel that all the children were not
dead or turned idiots even in that space. Not until 2020 was a
public school kept open twelve successive months and that was at
Manila, Philippine Islands by petition of the children themselves.
I found this petition in a Manila newspaper, and one statement
by those old time children struck me as characteristic of the atti-
tude of our own little boys and girls. 'We want to continue go-
ing because we know there are so many surprising discoveries in
store for us.'
Ah! there were many strange facts I learned among those
dusty old records. How ridiculous some of the Congressional
speeches sound, with their boasts of education, enlightenment and
culture! Surely we of the twenty-third century have reached a
plane of mentality far beyond the comprehension of that dark and
cruel era four centuries ago. For in its mistakes, its miserliness,
its thoughtlessness, its savage unkindness that twentieth century
must be classed among the Dark Ages of Education."
Perhaps Professor Holliday is somewhat cynical and his
criticisms of the present day educational methods may not be al-
together just. Nevertheless, I believe he has not overdrawn, in
the sUghtest degree the happy condition of affairs as our posterity
will find them four centuries hence. If future generations are
to advance as we have advanced beyond the generations gone be-
fore, those of us responsible for the educational leadership of the
present day must spare no effort to make our full contribution
to this splendid forward movement toward the goal of perfec-
tion. We must raise high our standards and strive by all pos-
sible means to reach them.
The sad condition of many of the schools of the present day
depicted by Professor Holliday let it be remembered is a con-
dition existing in all the states. It is a general condition. It is
not peculiar to Vermont. The spirit of the new loyalty in Ver-
mont, however, may give to Vermont the honor of being a pioneer
in the educational forward movement which is inevitable in
America.
Last of all the new loyalty will guarantee the rights of grow-
ing childhood. It will sound the death knell of the iniquity of
child labor. Up with the rights of childhood ! Away from the
black shadows of the night of infantile oppression ! All hail to
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 89
the radiant dawn that throws its gleams of brightness athwart
the morning of the twentieth century to illumine
THE LAND OF BOY.
"A wonderful land is the land of boy,
Where the hands on the clock mark the moments of joy.
Where the hills are sugar, the mountains are cake.
And the rivers flow into an ice-cream lake ;
Where candy grows on the forest trees
And the fairies dwell with their mysteries :
• The land of boy — ^away, away
Through the happy valleys of Golden Day !
"The land of boy is a dear delight,
Where the sun shines saveetly and soft and bright ;
Where the air is filled with the robin's song
'And the heart of venture beats bold and strong ;'
Where hope's grave star burns clean and fair
And the wine of the summer is in the air :
The land of boy — ^away, away.
The road winds down to the Golden Day !
"There are tops and trinkets and marbles and books, -
Penknives, putty and fishing hooks.
Printing presses and railroad trains.
Wheelbarrows, wagons and driving reins ;
Boats and whistles and hoops and skates.
Sledges and sponges and drawing slates.
The land of boy — away, away,
Over the hills of the Child-at-Play !
"The land of boy is a sunny place.
Where rosy cheeks and a smiling face,
Where romp and laughter and chatter and gleam.
Go round and round till the meadows dream
And the stars come out and the golden West
Is red where the sun has gone to rest ;
The land of boy — ^away, away
To the wand of fairy and elf and fay !
90 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
"Merry games and the venture heart
In the land of boy are a living part:
Castle building and ships that sail
On the pirate main and the paths of whale ;
Hope and love and beauty and gleam —
All, all are a part of the boy-land dream,
To the land of boy I long to stray
Through the happy valleys of Golden Day 1"
The new day is here. Jericho sees it. Chittenden County
sees it. The State of Vermont sees it. We greet its sunrise
now. The new loyalty which pays due reverence to the forefath-
ers and their glorious heritage to us while at the same time front-
ing the larger responsibilities owing to the present and the future
will send the sun of this day well up toward its zenith. Men and
women of Jericho all hail ! You have not forgotten the pioneers.
You honor your founders today. Tomorrow in the spirit of the
new loyalty you will address yourselves as real patriots to the
duties which will assure a new and a better Vermont.
Chapter VII.
AUGUST SIXTH.
Wednesday, Aug. 6th, had been observed by the citizens in
family reunions and tours about the town, whose important
places had been appropriately marked by the committee on mark-
ers, and at six P. M. a large assemblage of people had gathered
at Riverside to attend the exercises in connection with the dedica-
tion of a marker which had been erected in memory of the First
Settlement of the Browns. Their first cabin had been built a
few rods south of the Riverside Bridge. The marker had been
erected upon the Green in front of the old Whitcomb & Day
store, upon land which formerly belonged to the Browns. The
marker stands Sj^ feet high and consists of two pieces of gran-
ite, and upon the front of the die is a bronze tablet bearing the
following inscription,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 91
ERECTED TO THE MEMORY
OF THE
BROWN FAMILY
FIRST SETTLERS HERE AND FOR WHOM
BROWN'S RIVER WAS NAMED.
JOSEPH BROWN, HANNAH,
HIS WIFE AND THEIR BOYS
CHARUESandJOSEPH.
I N THE YEAR17SO WERE CAPTURED
BY INDIANS NEAR THIS PLACE
TAKEN TO CANADA
SOLD TO ENGLISH OFFICERS
AND HELD AS PRISONERS
ABOUT THREE YEARS.
Descendants of the Brown family had responded so gen-
erously that their contributions covered the cost of the marker
itself. The town had graded the spot and built the cement
coping.
The order of exercises was as follows : —
6:00 P. M. Prayer, Rev. A. H. Sturges.
Historical Resume of the Brown family by a lineal descend-
ant, Hon. B. H. Day, which is given in full.
MR. BUEL H. DAY'S ADDRESS.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We had hoped to have with us to address you on this oc-
casion, Mr. Fred Brown, of Boston, a direct descendant of those
Browns to the memory and honor of whom this tablet is today
erected, but this has proved to be impossible.
The erection of this marker to the Brown family, the first
settlers of the town of Jericho, whose efforts to make a home in
this, then wilderness, so influenced the growth and development
of the town, is due in large measure to Mr. Chauncey H. Hayden,
who enlisted the help of descendants of the family, purchased
with the money thus raised a suitable marker from the Jericho
Granite Co., and himself superintended the grading and setting
that it might be dedicated during this, our ISOth anniversary.
As many of you know, I also, am a descendant of the Brown
family, and because of this fact have been asked to tell the story
of some of their early hardships and experiences at this public
recognition of their efforts in settling this town.
92 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
This Story I have had by word of mouth from the children
and grandchildren of the first Browns with the life of whom the
early history of Jericho is so closely entwined. My mother and
my stepmother were daughters of Joseph, the youngest of the
family.
The place where the marker stands was not the site of the
Brown cabin, though on land that was a part of their original
holdings. Their cabin stood south of the covered bridge on
land owned for many years by Hiram B. Day, who married a
daughter of Joseph Brown.
It was thought best to place the marker here, where the pub-
lic may the better enjoy it.
The Browns were the first settlers in Jericho, their near-
est neighbors having a cabin lower down on the Winooski, then
the Onion, where two or three families located about the same
time that the Browns came here.
In a sense the Browns came to Jericho by mistake. They
were in search of land they had purchased in what is now the
town of Stowe, but failed to turn north from the Winooski
River, which they were following down over the old Indian
trail, quite so soon as they should have done and consequently
found themselves on the west instead of on the east side of
Mansfield Mountain. Pleased with the location, and the land,
and doubtless good and tired of wandering through the wilder-
ness, they pitched their tent on the little river that afterward
bore their name and later formally gained possession of the land
by put-chase.
Here they erected their cabin and cleared enough of the
land to enable the planting of crops. This was in 1774.
At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War an offer was made
the Indians of Canada by the British of $8.00 or £8 (authorities
differ as to the an?ount) for each living captive from the rebel-
lious colonies delivered into their hands.
This offer sent many a raiding party south, and it was at the
hands of a victorious band of these raiders on their homeward
way from the sacking of Royalton, Oct. 16, 1780, that our set-
tlers received a discouraging reverse.
The family at this time consisted of Joseph and Hannah
Brown, their young sons, Charles and Joseph, 19 and 16 years re-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 93
spectively, a tailor by the name of Olds who was sewing for the
family, a young man by the name of Gibson convalescent from
typhoid fever through which the Browns had nursed him, two
little girls by the name of Blood from one of the neighbors who
happened to be visiting them at the time from one of the families
on the Winooski River, and one or two hired hands.
The family doubtless would have escaped molestation but
that Gibson, trapping along the river now known as Lee, was sur-
prised and made a prisoner by a part of the Royalton Indians.
To secure his own release Gibson offered to conduct his cap-
tors to a cabin where they might get several prisoners instead
of one and thus instantly increase their ransom money. The
savages readily agreed to his proposal arid promised to set him
free just as soon as the others were taken. Regardless of the
many kindnesses received, at the hands of the Browns, Gibson
guided the Indians, 12 or 15 in number, to the high bank east
of the covered bridge that overlooked the cabin. So soon as the
Indians were assured that Gibson had indeed conducted them to
the promised spot, they seized and bound him to one of their
strongest braves, laughing in glee at his expostulations and de-
mands.
Stealthily approaching the cabin the savages easily secured
its inmates with the exception of the tailor who, seated on a table
near the window, at work on a waistcoat for Mr. Brown was
warned of their approach by their shadow falling across his work
in time to leap from the window and gain the forest beyond
despite the arrows and tomahawks that followed his flight. The
tailor continued his flight to the blockhouse on the Winooski
River which he reached in an exhausted condition, so straining
himself in his efforts to reach help quickly that the muscles of his
face were affected and his eyes bulged out of their sockets for
the remainder of his life. The tailor made known his narrow
escape to the commandant of the fort and begged that he pro-
ceed at once to the Brown cabin, or intercept the savages on their
way to the lake, but fearing a ruse or through natural coward-
ice this he refused, to do. The commandant was later court-
martialed for his non-action, but I have never known whether he
was adjudged guilty or guiltless.
94 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Knowing from the man Gibson's statements that there should
be two boys, half of the Indians with the captives took the journey
to the lake, the other half remaining to await the return of the
boys.
Not suspecting the fate that had befallen their people, the
boys were easily taken, after which the savages proceeded to sack
and burn the cabin and barn before following the footsteps of
the others.
The Brown family have always been very proud of the care
given the two little girls by Mrs. Joseph Brown on that terrible
journey through the Canadian wilderness.
Fearing retaliation for their misdeeds from the soldiers at
the fort on the Winooski, the Indians urged their captives to
make haste which soon tired the little girls, and hindered the ad-
vance, while the sobs of the youngest so annoyed her captors
that they threatened to kill her. Foreseeing their intentions,
Mrs. Brown stepped between them and their intended victim at
the risk of her own safety, raised the child in her arms, stilled its
crying, and prevailed on the savages to spare its life. Again
and again on the journey she carried the children when they be-
came too tired to walk, or held them in her arms during the long
hours of the night to keep them from crying.
The following morning the party reached the lake where a
much larger band awaited them and in canoes pushed on toward
Canada where they were delivered over into the hands of the.
British in camp near Montreal. At the first they were confined
with a large number of other prisoners, scurvy soon broke out,
sickness of all kinds was rife, and deaths were an everyday oc-
currence.
Lacking cooks for the officers' mess, levy was made on the
prison camp and Mrs. Brown being known as an excellent cook
was chosen. Winning the good will of the officers through her
cooking, she soon demanded that her family be permitted to
share her labors, and this being granted they were again re-
united under livable conditions.
The Browns were held prisoners for nearly three years.
The Revolution having ended, the soldiers and officers withdrew
from the camp, and the prisoners were given an opportunity to
make their way home as best they might. Knowing nothing of
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 96
the fact that peace had been declared, these scattered and fled
south, traveling only at night and avoiding all people, eventually
winning their way once again to Jericho.
The first year of their return proved the most severe they
ever experienced. Their cabin had been burned, their stock de-
stroyed, their land had reverted to waste. Without crops or the
means to obtain bread they were forced to subsist on game and
fish until another year again permitted the raising of vegetables
and grain. That they stuck to their land and did win through
in the face of every discouragement shows of what stuff these
people were made.
This, my friends, is the reason for the erection of this marker
to the memory of the Browns, and much credit is due to Mr.
Hayden for his appreciation of their character and efforts in the
settlement of Jericho and his labors in raising the money neces-
sary to fittingly memoralize their acts.
Later, when the Brown property came to be divided, all lands
north of Brown's River were taken by Charles and all to the
south by Joseph Brown.
These members of the Brown family lived and died in Jer-
icho and were buried in the cemetery on the Castle property now
owned by Irving Irish.
This is the story of the Browns. We hope in coming years
that the beautiful granite marker may recall to our children's
children something of the trials that beset the people who first
settled Jericho and somewhat of the persistent spirit that drove
them to win success in the face of all odds.
Formal presentation of the marker to the Selectmen of Jer-
icho by Burke G. Brown as follows.
BROWN'S SPEECH.
Ladies and Gentlemen :
We have met here this afternoon to dedicate this marker to
the first settlers of the town of Jericho, the Brown family, who
built the first log cabin within a short distance of where this
marker stands ; also to present to the town this marker in whose
care it will be for protection in years to come.
96 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
We have heard the sorrowful side of the story of hard-
ships of these first settlers. I will relate a story that happened
to a descendant by the name of Rufus Brown. He being a good
ox teamster, was engaged in skidding logs near the so named
Brown's River with a pair of four-year-old steers. As it got
time to quit work and was near dark, Rufus stepped between the
steers to unhook the chain, when the steers quick as a flash
crowded together and started on a run for the river regardless of
bridge. Rufus could not get out, so hung to the yoke. The rest
of the young men at work with him heard the tinkling of that
chain, music so sweet to woodsmen, that jingle of the staple and
ring, and saw Rufus, as they then thought, riding to his death.
They started to his rescue, supposing he would be drowned as
the oxen plunged over the bank into the river. They ran and
called, "Rufus! Rufus!" He answered, "Here on the shore
waiting for thee." As the oxen jumped over the bank Rufus
dropped out safe and sound.
I am glad to be one of the descendants of this sturdy Brown
family and feel honored to be called upon by this committee to
present this marker to the town, but first, in behalf of the Brown
descendants, I wish to thank all that have contributed for this
marker, either in money or work, the selectmen, the road com-
missioner, and Mr. C. H. Hayden, who has taken so much in-
terest in its erection. And to you Mr. Hayden, who is to accept
this marker for the town of Jericho, in behalf of the descend-
ants of the first settlers of this town, the Brown family, I pre-
sent this marker. I charge the selectmen and their successors
hereinafter elected by the town, to care for and protect for years
to come this marker that represents the first home built in this
good old town of Jericho.
ACCEPTANCE FOR THE TOWN BY C. H. HAYDEN AS
FOLLOWS.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Just now it would seem to be a pleasure to me, if I could
say, my name is Brown. Denied this honor I have yet had the
privilege of service, in that it was my part to circulate the svCb-
scription paper and to write to many of this exceedingly numer-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 97
ous family soliciting funds. The generous responses have en-
abled the Committee on Markers to build better than they had
anticipated. Allow me to quote from a letter written by G. Wil-
lis Bass of Minneapolis:
"It is certainly a praiseworthy "act to honor the first settlers
of those staunch old pioneers, whose bravery in coming was only
exceeded by their courage in staying in a new country where the
only password was Trust and the main experience was Hard-
ship. In spite of these experiences they built, not so much for
themselves as for their children and their children's children.
We are glad to add our mite in thus honoring them and beg
you to accept with this our best wishes for a successful and joy-
ous celebration."
So the service has been made easy by the hearty gifts of the
descendants of Mr. Brown from whom has come principally the
money to pay for this memorial. And now, Mr. Brown, the town
authorities have authorized me to say to you and the many you
represent that we accept the custody of this memorial erected in
grateful memory of the first settlers of Jericho. We treat this
spot as sacred, because it immortalizes the hardships endured by
our forefathers in settling this portion of our beautiful state.
No greater wrong can be done the great spirits of the past than
a failure on the part of their descendants to properly memorial-
ize their meritorious deeds. We trust that this act of grateful ap-
preciation on your part may prove as enduring in the hearts of
the people as the granite which supports the Bronze Inscription.
And while, by this marker, we perpetuate an incident in town
history, we are at the same time memorializing State and even
National History.
The banquet at 7 :30 P. M. was served at the G. A. R. Hall,
the menu of which follows :
98 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
1763 1913
TOWN OF JERICHO, VERMONT,
150TH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Banquet
August 6th, 1913, Riverside, Vt.
"Now we sit down to chat as well as eat,
Nothing to do but sit and eat and eat."
Menu
Cantaloupes
"Now if you are ready, Cantaloupe, Dear,
We can begin to feed," Servis Carroll
Consomme
"Spare your breath to cool your porridge," Cervantes
Salads
Olives Pickks
Cold Ham New Beets New Potatoes New Peas
Chicken Pie Jelly
"A Bird in the hand is worth two in the Bush," Anon
Pumpkin Pie Dutch Cheese
"As ye olden time,"
Coffee
"Farewell heat and welcome Frost." Anon
Ice Cream Mints Cake
"Enough," Macbeth
Toasts
"Words do well when he that speaks them pleases those that hear."
Toastmaster — C. H. Hayden,
Music
Our Town, Jericho, Picturesque and Beautiful, Eugene B. Jordan
Our Business Men — No one is satisfied with his lot, unless it is
a Lot Buel H. Day
The Professional Men — One can say everything best over a Meal,
Rev. William Cashmere
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 99
Music — Mrs. Linnie C. Buzzell
Jericho's Soldiers — Give them the chaplets they won in the strife
Judge C. S. Palmer
Our Schools— School-houses are the Republic's line of fortifica-
tions L. C. Stevens
Our Churches — Character is higher than intellect, Rev. C. Nutting
Music
For the Ladies — "No angel, but a dream being all dipt
In angel instincts, breathing Paradise
Interpreter between the Gods and men,"
Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer
Reminiscences Byron C. Ward
May we look forward with pleasure
and backward without regret.
Music
Impromptus
"I fear me lest my turn be next."
Waitresses in Priscilla Costume
Olive L. Hayden, Marjory A. Hayden, Hazel Knight,
Daisy McGibbon, Myrtie McGinnis, Madeline Schweig,
Dorothy Day, Helen Cashmore, Edith Gentry,
Pauline Smith, Helen Chapin, Grace Fitzsimonds.
Concerning the exercises of Wednesday the Jericho Re-
porter commented as follows :
"The principal features of the celeliration at Jericho for
Wednesday were the dedication at 6 o'clock P. M., of the marker
at Riverside in memory of the Brown family and banquet in the
evening in the G. A. R. Hall. The exercises connected with the
dedication of the marker were opened by prayer by Rev. A. H.
Sturges. Hon. B. H. Day, a descendant of the Brown family, told
the story of their coming from Connecticut and locating in Jer-
icho not far distant from where the marker stands, their cap-
ture and the burning of their log cabin by the Indians, their long
march on foot to Montreal, the selling of them to the English
officers, their escape and return to their former possessions minus
100 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
a home, cattle, provisions or the wherewith-all to do with, the
sufferings they endured while rebuilding a home, etc. Mr. Day's
recital of the story was deeply interesting and dramatic. B. G.
Brown for the resident descendants formally presented in a
very happy manner the marker to the town. The acceptance by
the town of the marker was, at the request of the selectmen, made
by C. H. Hayden, who was the promoter of the project and who
had taken a lively interest in its furtherance and completion. Mr.
Hayden spoke with much earnestness and feeling. The marker
stands upon a diamond shaped plot of ground raised and sur-
rounded by a coping of cement at the confluence of the road
leading from Jericho to Cambridge and the one leading to Under-
bill Center.
The banquet for which 100 covers were laid was held in the
evening in the G. A. R. Hall and was a most delightful incident
of the celebration. The menu was excellent and delightfully
served by young ladies in Priscilla costumes. Postprandial ex-
ercises with appropriate music followed. C. H. Hayden was
toastmaster and in a very happy and pleasing manner introduced
the several speakers, among whom were E. B. Jordan, who re-
sponded to the toast, "Our Town"; B. H. Day, "Our Business
Men" ; "Our Professional Men," Rev. William Cashmore ; Judge
C. S. Palm'er, "Jericho's Soldiers"; L. C. Stevens and Rev. S. H.
Barnum, "Our Schools"; Rev. C. A. Nutting, "Our Churches";
Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer, "For the Ladies." Impromptus were
called for and responded to by R. B. Galusha, Dr. A. F. Burdick
and Henry M. Brown. The musical portion of the program
was of a high order and was furnished by Miss Florence Bux-
ton on the piano, and Mrs. Linnie Curtis Buzzell and Mrs. Nolan
rendered solos. An interesting feature of the evening was an
"Old Grandfather's Clock" which stood in one corner of the
hall and sounded out the hours in as good a tone and voice as it
did ISO years or more ago and while striking all other business
was hushed. This clock was the first clock made in Barre and
is still in good running order. It has been in the possession of
the Barry family for 115 years and was loaned for this occasion.
9:30 a.
m.
10:30 a.
m.
11:00 a.
m.
11:15 a.
m,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 101
Chapter VIII.
EXERCISES OF AUGUST SEVENTH.
The culmination of the five days' celebration took place at
Jericho Comers, August 7th, with the following program:
Baseball game at Athletic Field
Children singing and Marching with Flags
A Herald Arrives with News
Address of Welcome, by Judge C. S. Palmer
Old soldiers and distinguished guests on plat-
form, which is decorated with U. S. Flags made by
the women of this village during the Civil War,
every stitch by hand
12:00 m. Dinner
1 :45 p. m. Arrival of the First Settlers (the Brown family)
who go to cabin near Athletic Field
2:00 p. m. Parade of Historical and Illustrative Floats and
Automobile Display
3:30 p. m. Floats and Automobiles, also spectators, assemble
at Athletic Field
4:00 p. m. Viewed from Athletic Field — Pageant of the cap-
ture of the Brown Family by Indians
Vaudeville Float
Races and Sports
6:00 p. m. Supper
7:30 p. m. Dramatic Entertainment at School House Hall,
"A Rose O'Plymouth Town"
This order of exercises, previously determined upon by the
committee was carried out in the main. When the parade came
down the street it was in the following order:
Order of Floats.
Band
Selectmen
America, on Horseback
Uncle Sam, on Horseback
Vermont, on horseback
Jericho, on Horseback
8
102
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
Float
Float
2.
3.
Float 4.
Pale Face, George and Martha Washington, and Pocahontas, on
Horseback -
Float 1. Father Time and the Fairies
Pioneer Settlers
Showing what Early Settlers found here: woods,
wild animals, birds, etc.
Indians with Wigwam
Pony Turnouts, with Indian children
Showing industries of the Settlers
"Ye Olden Times"
Going to Church by Pillion
Going to Church by single bull teani
Going to Church by double bull team
Spirits of the Home
Minute Men with life and drum
Snow Man and beauties with extreme North land
Childhood delights and Mrs. Santa Claus destroying
the old man's whips for bad boys
Grangers' Float
Vaudeville Float
Automobiles
Indian Riders
—ALL GO TO—
Athletic Park to witness the Capture of Brown family by the In-
dians— ^An Indian race for a wife
Indian Races and Sports
The writer is pleased to quote from a very vivid description
of the day and its proceedings given by Mrs. Jennie Rawson
Williams.
Float
5.
Float
6.
Float
7.
Float
8.
Float
9.
Float
10.
Float 11.
Float
12.
Float
13.
Float
14.
Float
18.
150th CELEBRATION AT JERICHO CORNERS, AUG. 7,
1913.
While attending the Old Home Day exercises on Tuesday
at the Center (that well-nigh perfect day) we queried many
times, "Will this beautiful weather, in these 'Dog-days,' last
until the Thursday's parade at the Corners ?" Wednesday found
These Probably Will Caeey with Them Big Memories of the
Great Celebration.
Arrival op the Browjvs Preceding the Pageant.
Departure op the Browns on Their Captivity.
The Cabin Surroundeh).
An Intebestisg Group on Athletic B^eld.
Thk Primitive American Costume. George and Mary Washington.
Jericho High School.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 103
the village all alive with preparations. The decorating commit-
tee were wreathing most of the tree-trunks and telephone poles
in the village's tree-embowered streets with bands and streamers
of bunting. A monstrous sign across the road at the top of the
hill had "Welcome" printed in an unmistakable manner, and pri-
vate dwellings and business places were well decorated. On the
little rocky islet. north of the covered bridge an Indian encamp-
ment peered forth from its leafy surroundings. From the barns
about the village were to be seen wonderful floats and wagons in
process of preparation.
When the morning of the great day broke, the towns-people
gazed on a most beautiful village, and glorious to say,—
"Slowly in all his splendorous light.
The great sun rises to behold the sight."
The streets began to be crowded early in the day with
automobiles, teams and people on foot. The Westford Cornet
Band came early and its music at intervals through the day
was greatly appreciated.
Indians in war paint and feathers, some stripped to the
waist, Dakota maidens on foot or horse, passed swiftly and
silently through the throng.
The town's future hope, the school children, at 10:30 as-
sembled on the graded school steps, with flags in hand and a
canopy of red, white and blue above them, and sang America,
Kellar's American Hymn and other patriotic airs.
Then came the Herald — and strange to say he was a colored
gentleman with an equally dusky female companion. His satires
on "white folks' " faults and foibles were thoroughly enjoyed.
During the dark days of the Civil War, when the town
was sending its sons to defend our country's flag, the women of
the village had frequent "sewing circles," where they prepared
hospital supplies and comforts for those at the front. Their pa-
triotism prompted them to make a large and beautiful flag. This
had been hidden for fifty years in the closet of some good care-
taker, and in its state of perfect preservation, was spread across
the front of the Congregational Church as a background for the
speakers' platform which was in front of the church.
Who more fitting to occupy that platform than the orator,
our former townsman and now summer guest. Judge C. S.
104 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Palmer, who fifty years and one month before, had followed the
flag over the hills and dales of Gettysburg's red field? The
nobler patriotism resulting from the country's sacrifice of blood
and treasure during those trying days was an important theme
with him.
At twelve, dinners were served in the Methodist and Congre-
gational church dining rooms, with cold lunches at the Baptist
church.
It was the aim of the parade committee to have the day's
doings as largely historical and symbolical as possible. The
reproduction of the capture of the Brown Family by the In-
dians in 1780 necessitated the building of a cabin in surround-
ings closely resembling the original site. The cabin was built on
Athletic Field close against a rocky ledge, just about the height
of the original bluff which was back of the old cabin home, and
at no great distance from the same little river. Brown and
family at one o'clock moved into town in an ox cart containing
their household goods, brass kettles hanging to the axle, a cow
and calf tied to the cart end, and set up housekeeping in the
log cabin. The persons who represented the settlers were lineal
descendants of Mr. Brown, and all bore his name.
The parade formed in line at the Rawson farm continuing on
through the village. The "town fathers," selectmen, constables,
etc., set their approval on the affair by leading it. Of course the
earliest inhabitants came first. The Indians, both sexes on horse
back, were followed by a a float representing the denizens of
the forests and birds of the air. Bears and cruel looking lynx
crouched beneath the green trees, while the birds rested on the
branches. A float representing Indian life and occupations,
women caring for the camp, and making blankets beside the
tall wigwam, was quite attractive.
All .the joys of Christmas-tide were brought back to the
children by the beautiful Santa Claus float drawn by four white
horses. Santa, himself, Mrs. Santa, beautiful gifts, "Red Rid-
ing Hood," and "Little Boy Blue," were all there.
What is older than Time, and aren't the fairies and Cupid
about as old ? There they all were. Father Time with his scythe,
beautiful fairies with gauzy wings, dressed in dainty colors,
' HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 106
Cupid with his bow and arrows, winged for flight, rolling along
on a float whose wheels were clock faces.
Jericho has a man whose work adorns the cabinets of
museum,s the world over. Wilson Bentley's accurately magni-
fied photos of our snow crystals are rare indeed. A float covered
with evergreens for a background had huge representations
of snow crystals displayed on the sides. But what's that, pole
on the back end of the float rising out of a mass of ice? Why?
the north pole itself, with the rival claims of Cook and Peary
inscribed thereon.
How beautiful the equestrian figures ! Of course, Uncle
Sam was there, — and America so fine! A beautiful woman,
daughter of one of our oldest families, was mounted on a gray
horse. Her dress was white, draped with a gold fringed silken
flag, with stars on her head and the shield on her arm. Vermont
followed on a Morgan horse. Her costume was very appropri-
ate, being of green and gold with a crown of clover, the State's
flower. This was Jericho's birthday, the town's golden day, so
the fair young girl who represented the town was dressed in
golden yellow, and mounted on a black horse.
The old time country doctor with saddle-bags before him,
rode his way', also the Puritan maid and the two couples riding
to church by pillion. One of these was a bridal couple. The
folds of the beautiful bride's ample veil and white watered silk,
floated out as she sat perched up beside her high-hatted chosen
one.
A murmur of song floated on the air ; it was "Aunt Nabby,"
sung by the gentle souls of "Ye Olden Time." Dear souls who
lived when clothes and "bunnits" were made to cover the human
form divine! Full skirts, billowy crinoline, big bonnets all
there. Of course a man of their age and time drove the horses
of their float, but near them was "the Spirit of Home." Was
this float typical of woman's new freedom? There were bare-
armed, bare-headed girls, clad in clinging, filmy dresses of white,
one of them driving the white-trimmed horses and canopied float,
the others carrying wands tipped with white blossoms. Just
as good, just as sweet as their older sisters.
Rah ! Rah ! Rah ! Yes, we have a High School ! See the
crowd on the banner-decked float.
106 HISTOKY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
The Irish inhabitants "did themselves proud." There was
a great float of white with green trimmings covered with in-
numerable sprigs of shamrock. Erin's fair daughters, a dozen
in number, sang to the accompaniment of a golden harp, that like
"the Harp that once through Tara's Halls the soul of music
shed?" A green wagon contained some reliable representatives
of the Emerald Isle, and there was also a jaunting car, true to
life.
We consider the prosperity and purity of the National life
to rest largely on the standing of the rural comhiunities ; the
grange is an important factor in the betterment of country life.
Mount Mansfield Grange was represented by a float decorated
with fruits and grains, Flora, Ceres, and Pomona were in at^
tendance, and the cutest bossie calf, pure Jersey, chewed his cud
in a wire-enmeshed enclosure.
We wondered a bit at the inscription, I. C. Club. It couldn't
mean womanly .curiosity surely — ^but no, it was just a neigh-
borhood group of women who industriously Irish crocheted— r
and talked, sometimes in megaphones.
A decorated wagon contained an organ and accompanist
and a fine tenor singer, who sang, —
"This is our own our native land,
"Tho' poor and rough she be.
The home of many a noble soul.
The birthplace of the free."
Many private rigs and automobiles were charmingly trimmed.
Worthy of notice were the Shetland pony turnouts.
After proceeding to the railroad, near the station, the pro-
cession turned, coming back on the westerly road, returning to
Athletic Field where the Browns' capture was carried out in a
realistic manner. The captive traitor led the Indians to the
new home, hoping to secure his own freedom.
Estimates vary about the size of the crowd. Some said
three thousand, some four, others five! But it was a fine
orderly crowd, and no unfortunate accident marred the day.
Suppers were served to many who stayed to enjoy the fine
drama, "The Rose O' Plymouth Town," in the School House
Hall that evening.
FLETCHiat McGiNNis Singing "Old New England."
The Woods and Its Denizens.
Pony Turnouts.
Industries, Automobiles, etc. The Indians with Wigwams.
At Athletic Park.
HISTORY OP JEEICHO, VERMONT. 107
"So sleeps the pride of former days,
So glory's thrill is o'er,
And hearts, that once beat high for praise.
Now feel that pulse no more."
The following should be included in describing the parade:
In the long column of Pageants and Floats that passed
through the streets of Jericho village was an automobile finely
decorated and filled with ladies and gentleniien displaying a
large banner gorgeously trimmed, on one side of which was in-
scribed the words and figures, "1913; Equal Suffrage and Equal
Rights. It Has Come to Stay in ten States," and on the other
side were inscribed the words, "Modern Life, Votes for Wo-
men. Equal Pay for Equal Work for Men and Women."
I am' pleased also to quote further from the pen of Mr.
Luther C. Stevens relative to the closing day's celebration:
The village was simply swamped. A conservative estimate
places the number of people in attendance at 4,000. Perfect
order prevailed throughout. There was not one instance of dis-
turbing nature.
The Westford band was present and never did a band on
a like occasion discourse better music or more of it. The com-
mittee on decorations had done their work wdl. The village
presented a gala appearance the like of which had never been
seen here before. It was a pleasing conceit which prompted
the placing of a couple of wigwams and attendant suggestions
of Indian life on the island near the covered bridge which was
one of other like displays about the village.
The exercises of the day were opened at Athletic Field with
a game of baseball played by a team from Essex and the Jericho
boys which was won by the latter by a score of 10 to 1. The
battery, for the Essex team was Sheehan and Cleveland, and for
the Jericho boys the "two Ralphs," Brigham and Buxton. Then
came the singing of patriotic songs by the school children in
front of the school building, Mrs. Lena Whitten Rice at the
organ, followed by the address of welcome by Hon. C. S. Pal-
mer from the front platform of the Congregational Church upon
which were seated the veterans of the Civil War.
108 HISTORY: OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
The school children had marched across from the school
building and formecl a circle in front of the speaker. E. B.
Jordan presided and iery happily introduced Judge Palmer, who
spoke in his usual eloquent and impressive manner. At the
close of the address the school children accompanied by the
band and the assembled people sang America. Dinner followed
which was served in the Congregational and Methodist Churches
and in the Baptist Church ice cream and lunches were served.
The, dinner was an excellent one consisting of boiled ham, roast
pork and beef, vegetables and other accessories.
The special interest of the day was centered upon the
exercises of the afternoon. The crowd of the morning being
largely augmented by the arrival of more people, automobiles
and carriages. Just before the parade the Brown family were
seen trooping into town, riding on a two-wheeled ox cart with
a few primitive pieces of household goods and leading a cow and
sheep.
The formal parade was led by Constable George Costello
followed by the Westford band, the selectmen of the town,
A. C. Johnson, D. E. Bissonett, C. E. Scribner, who with Con-
stable Costello were mounted. The mounted marshals were
F. G. Pease, J. H. Safiford, O. H. Brown and Edward Vamey.
Following these were equestrian representations in costume
of "America," Mrs. Louise Galusha Mower ; "Uncle Sam," Frank
Barrow ; "Vermont," Miss Mildred Chapin ; "Jericho," Miss Irene
Bolger ; "Martha and George Washington," Misses Dorothy Day
and Mary Wright respectively; "Pocahontas," Miss Anna
Marchia; "Indian Maiden," Miss Florence Williams; "Squaw
with papoose on back," Mrs. Fred Foster; "Old Time Doctor,"
L. C. Rice. There were also representations of "Going to church
by pillion" and a "Newlywed Couple."
There were 25 or more floats and decorated equipages in
line. Among these were "Father Time" (S. M. Palmer) and
the Fairies, "Pioneer Settlers," showing what early settlers found
here, woods, wild animals, birds, etc.; "Indians with wigwam,"
"Pony turn-outs with Indian children," "Snow Man," (Prof.
W. A. Bentley) and beauties of the "North Land," with the
north pole ; "Childhood delights and Mrs. Santa Claus," destroy-
ing the old man's whips for bad boys ; grangers, etc.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 109
One feature that attracted no end of attention was a float
representing "Erin's Daughters." The float was decorated in
green and white and eight young women in white rode in the
float singing Irish songs to the accompaniment of Romeo's or-
chestra. The singers included Mrs. John J. Cross, Miss Emma
Mulqueen and Miss Marie V. McLaughlin of Burlington, Mrs.
G. A. Mitiguy of Montrose, N. J., Miss Margaret Reddy and
Miss Mayme W. Reddy of Malone and Miss Mamie Carroll and
Miss Mamie Adrien of Jericho.
A jaunting car contained Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Dower of
Montpelier and Miss Mary Neary of Burlington. Another in-
teresting float named "From Emerald's Isle," all in green, con-
tained Thomas Adrian, John McLaughlin and Charles Reavey.
F. D. McGinnis and Miss Myrtle Alger rode in a wagon and
sang "Hurrah for Old New England" at intervals to organ ac-
companiment of Miss Alger. The Jericho High School had a
handsome float, the pupils being aboard and giving the school
yell. Prominent in the automobile section was a car represent-
ing the Burlington Daily News.
In the business and mercantile line representations were
made by the Jericho Granite Co. and E. B. Williams & Co.
The parade marched down Church street past the park and
around the "flatiron" and back through Church street to Athletic
Field where they were lined up upon one side of the field to
witness the pageant of the capture of the Brown family. This
scene as enacted was most spectacular and realistic. There
could not have been a better setting for it. A log cabin had
been erected at the foot of a high rocky ledge which bounds the
eastern side of the field and from which the traitor Gibson
points out to the Indians the cabin of the Brown family and over
which the Indians came skulking down with their tomahawks
and guns to the cabin.
This scene as enacted was historically true as to the number
of Indians engaged and the members of the Brown family, the
traitor Gibson and the man Olds, who escaped by jumping
through the window and running to the woods pursued by the
Indians with their tomahawks. After the faniily had been cap-
tured and while being led away the cabin was fired surrounded
110 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
by the Indians, yelling, dancing and brandishing their toma-
hawks.
The principal participants in the drama included descendants
of the captured family, residents of this town and were Lynn A.
Brown, who represented Mrs. Joseph Brown and Ray M. Brown
and two children representing Joseph Brown and his children.
The Brown boys, Charles and Joseph, Jr., who were out hunting
did not return until the burning of the cabin, were Francis Mc-
Mahon and Clement Percival, Donald Percival was the man
Olds, who escaped, and Frank Flynn represented the traitor,
Gibson, who was bound and subjected to indignities by the In-
dians and led away with the other captives.
After the pageant came a few sports. The 60-yard dash
was won by Raymtond Ouimette of Burlington, who also won
the sack race. The three-legged race was won by Ralph Brig-
ham of this town and Matthew Barney of Richmond.
The exercises of the day were brought to a close in the eve-
ning by a second presentation of "A Rose O' Plyrriouth Town"
given in the hall of the school building which was filled with
an audience of 300.
To the untiring effort, the hours of thought, time and
travel of Chairman B. H. Day, Vice-Chairman C. H. Hayden
and Secretary E. B. Jordan, of the conimittee who largely planned
and formulated the carrying out of the celebration is due and
unanimously conceded .the credit of making the event the grand
success which it was.
Chapter IX.
FINALITIES.
The financial status of the celebration is shown in the fol-
lowing report, while the courtesies of the General Committee are
fittingly expressed in the resolutions.
Treasurer's Report on Celebration.
The Celebration Committee met Monday evening at the
home of Rev. and Mrs. S. H. Barnum. C. H. Hayden, treasurer,
presented his report to date as follows :
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. Ill
Treasurer's Report:
Aug. 25, 1913, Total receipts of Celebration, $846.40.
Total money paid out, $590.82.
Balance on hand, $255.5o.
This balance was set aside for the purpose of publishing
a history of the town of Jericho.
Every feature of the Celebration work showed a profit.
Much satisfaction was expressed by the members of the General
Committee over the success of the celebration and the excep-
tionally fine financial showing.
The following resolutions were introduced and adopted :
Resolved: That the thanks of this committee are due to the
citizens of Jericho for the cordial support given in carrying out
the Town Celebration program.
Resolved: That the thanks of this committee are hereby
given the press of our county, who have so generously aided in
giving publicity to our plans, and for the most excellent reports
of the celebration by thein given.
Resolved: That we fully appreciate the services of our
President, B. H. Day, for the able manner in which he has pre-
sided over our deliberations, also the untiring and faithful serv-
ices of our Secretary, E. B. Jordan.
Resolved: That we acknowledge with gratitude the help-
ful presence of the lady members of this committee and attribute
much of the success of the celebration to them, not forgetting
the dainties, etc., they and others furnished us, all of which
have seemed to fill in so well.
Resolved: That our association should be productive of a
better town and community spirit, greatly increased business ac-
tivities, better schools, stronger churches and an enlarged citizen-
ship.
Resolved: That the thanks of the general committee are
due and are hereby tendered to the dramatic committee and
especially to Mrs. Medora Schweig, as manager, and to the
young ladies and gentlemen: C. Harold Hayden, Carl E. Nay,
Ralph L. W. Smilie, Harlie F. Ross, Hazel E. Knight, Hope
Scribner, Madeline Schweig and Olive L. Hayden and Mrs. H.
H. Higgins, for the highly successful presentations of the
112 HISTORT OF JERICHO, VBRMONT.
beautiful drama, "A Rose O' Plyrnouth Town," during our
celebration week.
The intention of the author of this write up has been to
impartially, completely, and truthfully portray the different func-
tions of the great celebration, and, if he has omitted anything
which ought to have been written, or if anything has been
printed which ought not to have been, it is wholly unintentional.
Is it vain for the writer to hope that the reader has pursued
this recital of the events of the great celebration with a high de-
gree of pleasure; has looked with some degree of satisfaction
upon the pictures and scenes reproducing to the mind what then
and there took place, in short, that this book will always be a
source of delight because of the happy hours and memories it
recalls ?
LaFatette "Wilbur.
Member of tlie General Committee. Member of the Historical Com-
mittee. Member of the Banquet Committee. Author of the Early
History of Vermont in four volumes, and the Morse Genealogy.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 113
PART THIRD.
HISTORICAL JERICHO.
By L. F. Wilbur.
Chapter I.
INTERESTING FACTS FROM THE EARLY RECORDS, ARRANGED
CHRONOLOGICALLY.
All who became inhabitants of Jericho after the sixty-six
Grantees had received their Charter by Benning Wentworth, Gov-
ernor of the Province of New Hampshire under King George
the III, were subject to the Charter provisions and to the Com-
mon Law of England. The enforcement of contracts and the
punishment of crimes were under this Common Law.
The township remained a dense, unbroken wilderness until
1774, in which year Roderick Messenger, Azariah Rood and
Joseph Brown emigrated from western Massachusetts. Mes-
senger located on Onion River near where the road leading from
Jericho village intersects the Onion River road. Azariah Rood
purchased a large tract of land and built his house in the south
part of the town on what is now known as the Edgar Barber
farm. Joseph Brown located and built his log house near Under-
bill, a little south of the river bearing his name. This family
was twice captured by Indians and taken to Canada, where they
were sold to British officers at eight dollars a head and held as
prisoners for more than three years. Full particulars of their
capture and experiences will be found in the historical address
of L. F. Wilbur, and in the presentation speech of Buel H. Day
at the dedication of the Brown Marker.
The hardships, difficulties and dangers that attended the
coming of these first families to fell the forests and make for
themselves homes in the dense wilderness that Jericho was then,
may hardly be realized in this d&y of plenty and modem sur-
roundings. Difficulties unforeseen multiplied. Vermont pio-
114 (HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
neers had purchased their lands and received their titles from
Governor Wentworth of New Hampshire. Afterwards New
York advanced her claim to all lands west of the Connecticut
river and sought to force the settlers to pay for their lands a
second time. Both New Hampshire and New York claimed
title to this land through grants from the same source, but New
Hampshire abandoned her claim and withdrew her protection
from the settlers, leaving them to contest their rights with New
York as best they might.
The British, invading the rebellious colonies from the north,
urged the Indians to rob and make captive the pioneers. So
perilous became the position of these settlers that they' were
forced to withdraw until peace was declared between the States
and Great Britain. Peace having been declared, Brown, Rood
and Messenger returned to their land and from that time on the
increase of settlers was rapid.
In 1786 a move was made to organize the town. Honorable
John Fassett, a judge of the Supreme Court, legally warned a
meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the com-
munity to be held on March 22, 1786. The meeting was held
pursuant to the warning and chose James Farnsworth, moder-
ator; Lewis Chapin, town clerk; and Peter McArthur, con-
stable. Farnsworth was also chosen justice of the peace. The
officers were sworn to discharge their duties according to law,
and the meeting adjourned to meet on the "Second Tuesday of
June next at ten o'clock in the morning," and on June 13th,
1786, they met according to adjournment and chose Deacon
Azariah Rood, Captain Joseph Hall and Mr. Jedediah Lane,
selectmen; Lewis Chapin, treasurer; Abel Castle, Daniel Stan-
nard and John Fairwell, surveyors of highways.
A meeting warned by the constable met on the 13th day of
June, A. D., 1786 and chose Daniel Stannard to attend a conven-
tion at Manchester. It is not certain what the nature of this con-
vention was, but probably it was political.
At a meeting warned by the selectmen held September 27,
1786, Captain Joseph Hall was chosen moderator, and it was
voted "that the selectmen go to Esqr. Savage to see how the in-
habitants can be paid for cutting roads, and agree with Esqr. Sav-
age to work out sixty pounds on the roads." This meeting was ad-'
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 115
joumed to October 4, on which date Lewis Chapin was chosen as
agent to go to the assembly with a petition for the grant of a
tax on the land in Jericho to be used in cutting roads and build-
ing bridges.
By a permit from the General Assembly in session at Rut-
land, October, 1786, the town of Jericho was given the liberty to
choose a member to attend the assembly at its adjourned ses-
sion to be held at Bennington in February, 1787. Under said
permission on tKe 29th day of November, 1786, the town chose
Jedediah Lane their representative. He was the first of a long
list of representatives chosen between the years 1786 and 1913,
whose names together with number of years each served, as well
as a list of the town clerks, dates of their election, and number
of years each served, will be found in the historical address of
L. F. Wilbur given elsewhere in this volume.
Town officers were paid no extravagant salaries in these
early days as is evidenced by a vote taken in March, 1806, at
which it was agreed to allow the selectmen seven dollars and
fifty cents for their year's services, viz.: Eleazer Hubbell, $2.50;
Samuel Day, $3.00 ; and Jedediah Field, $2.00, with a six pence on
the pound to the collector for collecting the town taxes.
The town officers for the years 1787 and 1788 were mainly
the same, some of the men holding different offices. At the town
meeting held March 13th, 1787, it was voted to have five select-
men and John Lee was elected the fifth one, the name of the
fourth selectman not being given. It was also voted to have
two constables and Peter McArthur and Benjamin Farnsworth
were elected. Joseph Hall was chosen grand juror; Jonathan
Castle and Leonard Hodges, listers ; Roderick Messenger, leather
sealer ; Joseph Hall, sealer of weights and measures ; three sur-
veyors of highwayis were elected ; Ichabod Chapin and John Fair-
well were chosen tythingmen; and it was voted to give Lewis
Chapin one pound and sixteen shillings for attending the assem-
bly as agent, and eighteen shillings for a book of ear-marks. A
tax of nine pounds in cash was also voted, as well as to accept
the road from Essex line to Bolton line, and the road from Essex
Kne to Underbill line from Jedediah Lane's through by Messrs.
Castle's and Brown's.
At a town meeting held September 4, 1787, it was voted
116 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
"That the dwelling house of Ben Bartlet be the place for holding
town meetings for the future, and that the bridge by Jedediah
Lane's be a town bridge." "At this meeting Daniel Stannard,
Joseph Wilson and Jedediah Lane were elected the first pound
keepers and it was voted that their stables be used for pounds.
At the annual town meeting held March 24th, 1788, Roder-
ick Messenger, Abel Castle and Leonard Hodges were chosen
selectmen; Peter McArthur and Benjamin Farnsworth, con-
stables and collectors of rates; Lewis Chapin, Noah Chittenden
and John Fairwell, list takers ; James Farnsworth, town treasurer ;
J. McFarlin and Timothy Brown, leather sealers ; and John Rus-
sel, tythingman.
The duties of the tythingman were to keep the peace and
preserve good order in church during divine service, to make com-
plaint of any disorderly conduct and to enforce the observance of
the Sabbath. Many a boy and many a .girl was reminded during
the church service by the use of the tything rod in the hands of
the tythingman that better behavior was demanded from them.
At this meeting Azariah Rood and James Farnsworth were
elected a committee to hire a candidate for preacher and it was
voted that "We will raise money to pay a candidate for preach-
ing two months."
At an adjourned meeting it was voted that the "Selectmen
warn the town meetings where they see fit for the time being, and
establish the roads in the different places in the town as they
shall deem legal without further orders."
At an adjourned annual town meeting held on the 14th day
of April, 1789, it was voted to allow Roderick Messenger twenty
shillings, Leonard Hodges twelve shillings, and Abel Castle ten
shillings for their services as selectmen. The meeting chose
Deacon Azariah Rood, Ebenezer Bartlett, Azariah Lee and Lewis
Chapin to join the selectmen as a committee "To look out a bury-
ing place as near the middle of the town as may be."
At a 'town meeting held April 24th, 1789, it was voted to
"draw the money out of the town treasury to pay for what preach-
ing we had the year past, and to choose a committee of three to
provide preaching the ensuing season." At a town meeting held
September 1st, 1789, it was voted that a tax of two pence on the
pound of the list of that year be raised to defray town expenses,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 117
and "that it be raised in wheat at six shillings, rye at four shillings
and nine pence and corn at four shillings, per bushel." On the
same day a town meeting was held "for the purpose of trying
to settle Mr. Reuben Parmalee in the Ministry in this town." On
September 28th, 1789, at a legally warned town meeting it was
voted "that the selectmen make a rate on the present list sufficient
to pay Mr. Parmalee for preaching in this town the summer past,"
and voted "That the grounds looked out by the committee near
Lewis Chapin's dwelling house for a burying place be improved
for that purpose," and they chose "Noah Chittenden, Roderick
Messenger and Jedediah Lane committee to agree with Mr.
Chapin for the land for that purpose." This meeting also chose
Roderick Messenger, Jonathan Castle and John Russell tavern
keepers.
At the annual town meeting, March 15th, 1790, fence viewers
were chosen for the first time. It was voted "to hire preaching
on probation for settlement" and Lewis Chapin, Noah Chitten-
den Esq., and Deacon Azariah Rood were chosen a committee
"to hire preaching."
The early settlers of Jericho were so intensely religious and
so desirous of keeping up divine service among the people that
they met at private dwellings and in barns, even in winter when
there. were no means of warming them.
At a town meeting July 10th, 1790, it was voted "that two-
thirds of the time we meet for public worship at William Smith's
and one-third at Captain J. Russell's and to hire Mr. Kingsbury
nine Sabbaths more, being twelve in the whole." At that meet-
ing Martin Chittenden, Peter McArthur and Thomas D. Rood
were chosen "to attend to and lay out the Public Rights of land in
this town."
September 7th, 1790, at an adjourned meeting, it was voted
to give Mr. Kingsbury a call to the work of the ministry in this
town and "a settlement fee of two hundred pounds including the
ministry Right" and "to give him thirty-five pounds salary the first
year and rise with the list until it shall amount to eighty pounds
per annum." The meeting also voted "that the neighborhood on
Onion River in the south part of the town should have their
money refunded back that they pay towards the settlement of
Mr. Kingsbury over and aJ)ove what the public Right amounts to
118 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
at a time when they shall be legally set oflf by authority to unite
with another society." At an adjourned meeting, October 4th,
1790, it was voted "that if the salary voted to Mr. Kingsbury does
not rise to eighty pounds in seven years the eighth year it shall
be eighty pounds and the settlement which the town has already
agreed to give Mr. Kingsbury be raised within one year after his
ordination, in neat cattle or grain or materials for building at the
common going price amongst us, and that the first settled minister
have forty cords of wood delivered to his door, he finding the
wood."
Dec. 7th, 1790, Martin Chittenden, Esq., was chosen by the
freemen, in meeting assembled, member to a State convention
to be held on the first Thursday of January, 1791, at Bennington,
for the purpose of considering and adopting the Federal Con-
stitution of the United States.
At a town meeting April 4th, 1791, it was voted "that the
neighborhood on Onion River in the south part of this town be
immediately set off to join the South Society in Williston." At
this meeting "objection having been made to allowing Mr. Kings-
bury forty cords of wood and paying him eighty pounds the eighth
year if he should become their minister as was proposed and voted
at a former meeting, Mr. Kingsbury being called upon agreed to
relinquish the proposal for the forty cord of wood and agreed that
if the salary did not amount to eighty pounds in ten years, it
should be eighty pounds the eleventh year." This modification of
the original proposal was accepted and he became their minister,
continuing to serve them in that capacity until 1808. At this
same meeting it was voted to "meet for public worship on the
Sabbath at William Smith's barn for the future." At the town
meeting held April 21st, 1791, it was voted "that Noah Chitten-
den, Esq., be appointed to provide for the Ordaining Council
the 22nd of June next." On the 14th of November, 1791, it was
voted "that Mr. Messenger be allowed three pounds lawful money
for providing for the Ordaining Council last June." It was also
voted "to meet for public worship at the dwelling house of Elon
Lee the ensuing winter, and to have but one exercise on the Sab-
bath from the first of December next to the first of March next
and to begin at eleven o'clock in the morning."
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 119
March 28th, 1792, it was voted "to raise a tax of sixty dollars
on the grand list for the purpose of building a bridge over Brown's
river ; except the proportion of that part of the town that is set
off to Williston, they to work theirs out on bridges on Onion
River road, to be worked out by the first of October next at four
shillings per day or paid in wheat at four shillings and six pence
per bushel" ; a committee of four was chosen to superintend the
labor; and it was voted "to discharge Mr. Josim Morgan from
paying any part of Ebenezer Kingsbury's settlement." April 16th,
1792, it was voted "that we meet for public worship at Lewis
Chapin's barn the ensuing summer."
At a town meeting, September 4th, 1792, it was voted to "run
the town line between this town and a certain part of the town
which has heretofore been set off to the Southeast Society in Wil-
liston," and Joseph Wilson, Benjamin Famsworth, Noah Chit-
tenden and Nathan Moore were elected a committee to run the
line.
January 7th, 1793, the records show a freemen's meeting was
held "for the purpose of choosing a representative to the Con-
gress of the United States of North America." At the election
Israel Smith was chosen as representative to succeed himself.
The religious spirit entered largely into the daily life of these
early settlers and the foundations of the town as well as of the
family were builded upon the rock of the "word of God." March
4th, 1793, we find the record that in town meeting assembled it
was voted "to meet for public worship this time at Elon Lee's in
cold weather and at William Smith's barn in warm weather for
one year."
June 24th, 1793, Martin Chittenden was chosen to attend
the convention called to decide if the Constitution should be es-
tablished according to the resolution.
(Editor's note: The convention above referred to was held
at Windsor, July 4, 1793, for the j)urpose of amending the State
Constitution, and no further changes were made until 1828).
March 18th, 1794, the freemen assembled chose John Hol-
lenbeck agent to attend the committee appointed to set the stake
for Chittenden county court house and inform said committee,
"that it is our wish that the stake be set in the most convenient
place in the county as near the center as may be consistent with
120 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
the good of the whole," and it was further voted "that it is our
wish that the stake be set in this town if it be not repugnant to
the foregoing vote." (Which request seems not to have met with
favor from the above said committee).
At a freemen's meeting held September 2nd, 1794, to cast
votes for State officers, out of a total vote of 72 for governor
Thomas Chittenden polled 45 ; Peter Olcott had 42 votes for lieu-
tenant governor; and Roswell Hopkins a majority of 13 votes
for state treasurer.
At a town meeting, October 2nd, 1794, it was voted that
"every man write his place for a meeting house and put it into a
hat." The result of this voting showed no majority for any one
place, and accordingly Noah Chittenden, John Lyman, Dudley
Stone, Jedediah Lane and Thomas Bentley were chosen a com-
mittee of arbitration to decide on a site and set the stake. The
committee agreed on Captain Bartlett's lot, and so reported, but
the voters did not agree to adopt the report, and at an adjourned
meeting, November 13th, 1794,- voted "to choose (accept) a com-
mittee to be appointed by the County Court to set a meeting
house stake." Amos Brownson of Williston,' Samuel Bradley
of Essex, and Phineas Loomis of Burlington, were the County
Court committee appointed, but the town records are silent as
to their action. Undoubtedly, however, they "set the stake" on
the green in front of the present Congregational Church building
at Jericho Center, for on June 3rd, 1795 the town "voted that the
town purchase four acres of land for a green around the meet-
ing house stake." December 30th, 1794, it was voted "to build a
meeting house of a sufficient bigness for the town during the life
of the building," and January 13th, 1795, Col. Noah Chittenden
brought forward a plan to build a meeting house "51 feet by 60
feet with a pulpit in one end," which was unanimously adopted,
but at a subsequent meeting, November 18th, the size of the build-
ing was changed to 54 feet long and 50 feet wide. January 13th,
1795, it was voted "to have a subscription paper to sign our equal
proportion according to our list of the year 1795 in setting up,
covering, enclosing the outside, laying the under floor and light-
ing a meeting house the ensuing summer." Noah Chittenden
was chosen to superintend the building, and Martin Chittenden
to draft the subscription paper or papers. March 10th it was voted
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 121
to build the meeting house with a square roof. The people de-
cided by vote to hold public worship in private houses and barns
until the meeting house was ready for use, also that sheep be
prohibited from running at large on the common.
June 3rd, 1795, Noah Chittenden, Benjamin Bartlett and
Thomas D. Rood were appointed a committee to lay out the
land that had been purchased for a meeting house green, and the
heads of the three classes that had been employed to build the
house "see to chopping and clearing off the land for the Green
the present summer, one-third each." Noah Chittenden, Ben-
jamin Bartlett and Thomas D. Rood were also instructed to
"find and agree for a suitable and convenient place or places for
burying the dead."
November 18th it was voted to build the meeting house with
the proceeds of the pews sold at public vendue at the next ad-
journed town meeting, and Noah Chittenden, Thomas D. Rood
and Benjamin Bartlett were chosen a committee to number the
pews and sell the same at public vendue, taking obligations from
the bidders and regulating the time and manner for paying said
obligations. The report of this committee made at the town meet-
ing held December 9th was accepted, and it was voted that Rev.
Ebenezer Kingsbury have liberty to choose a pew for his family,
who accordingly chose the pew by the pulpit stairs and proposed
to give forty-five pounds toward the building to be paid out of
his salary. It was voted to sell the pews "first bid to be first pick,
and so on, and to pick every one his bid on the plan now on the
spot." Forty-two pews were sold at prices ranging from sixty-
one to six pounds.
March 10th, 1796, it was voted that "nine dollars be taken
out of the town treasury of the money that was raised for the pur-
pose of getting powder and lead for town stock, and to pay the
Court Committee who set the meeting house stake."
March 13th, 1797, it was voted "that the owners of any
sheep shall be accountable for any damage which the sheep do."
September 5th, 1797, voted "that it is the sense of the free-
men of Jericho that the act laying duties on stamped vellum
Parchment and paper, passed by Congress July 6th, 1797, will be
in its operation unequal and oppressive, and that our represent-
122 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
ative be requested to use every exertion in his power that the same
be repealed."
It was voted on March 20th, 1798, "that the pole that is now
ready to be raised, be the town sign post." (Editor's note : The
pole above referred to was undoubtedly a flag pole erected on
the common upon which warnings for town meetings were to be
posted).
Voted September 4th, 1798, "that there be a town tax of one
hundred dollars to be made up on the list of 1798 and be paid into
the town treasury in wheat at one dollar per bushel and Indian
corn at 67 cents per bushel."
At the annual town meeting March 5th, 1799, it was voted
that the town treasurer be directed to procure at the expense of
the town standards for weights and measures, and "that all horses,
kine, swine and sheep shall not be free commoners."
March 27th, 1799, at a town meeting warned and held at
the meeting house, it was voted "that the proprietors and land
owners proceed to take the privilege of the act authorizing the
proprietors and land owners to divide .their lands into severalty,"
and preparatory to the division "Hon. Noah Chittenden, John
Hollenbeck and Thomas D. Rood were chosen a committee to call
on Mrs. Allen for the records of Jericho, and to draw an ad-
vertisement according to the act, and see that it is inserted in the
public print according to law." It was also voted to divide the
town into school districts, and a committee of seven was chosen
for that purpose. It does not appear that any action relative
to school districts was taken by that committee.
At a town meeting held October 30th, 1800, it was voted
that "the town do not choose to have inoculation for the small pox
set up in town this season." This meeting also chose Eleazar
Hubbell, Thomas D. Rood, Benj. Bartlett, Noah Chittenden and
Jonathan Castle committee to look out the most convenient place
or places for a burying ground in town, to see on what terms
these could be procured, and to report at the next meeting. It
was again voted to divide the town into school districts and a com-
mittee of seven was chosen to plan the division and report at the
next town meeting. At the annual meeting March 2nd, 1801, the
freemen voted "to give liberty to the town to set up the smallpox
next fall under the directions of the selectmen," and again in
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 123
March, 1802, the town, in meeting assembled, decided "to ad-
mit smallpox by inoculation from the first of November to the
last day of February next under proper regulations."
Town records show that even in those early days there was
negligence in "paying the minister," as on April 7th, 1800, a vote
was taken "to accept Mr. Kingsbury's proposal to settle up the
arrearages of his salary and then alter the principles of his sup-
port; and it was voted to accept of Mr. Kingsbury's proposal,
and to agree with him in calling a council for the purpose of dis-
missing hiin unless a Society should be formed to support him
by the tenth of May next." This Society September 15th, of the
following year, voted to dismiss him, and a committee of five
was appointed to procure preaching in case Mr. Kingsbury should
"be'' dismissed. October 2nd, 1801, Martin Chittenden, Thomas
D. Rood and Benj. Bartlett were made a committee "in calling a
council to dismiss him." Meanwhile the congregation was evi-
dently increasing, as at a meeting of the proprietors of the meet-
ing house, October 30th, 1800, it had been voted to sell the gal-
lery pews.
The settlers of New England, among whom those of Ver-
mont and of Jericho were no exception, were deeply religious and
believed it incumbent upon the town to support the church and
its minister by means of a direct tax, and laws were created mak-
ing this tax compulsory. The ruling church was the Congrega-
tional, and every tax payer, regardless of creed, was obliged to
contribute to its support. Gradually among those of differing
creeds arose a spirit of revxAt against this interference with lib-
erty of conscience, and eventually any individual whose religious
belief was not in accord with the community church was relieved
from its support upon presentation to the proper authorities of a
certificate showing him to be a member of some other church or
creed. The following are copies of two such certificates filed with
the Jericho town authorities by citizens whose religious beliefs
were at variance with the Congregational Church.
"This certifies that Joseph Brown, Timothy Brown, Abel
Castle, Jonathan Castle, Nathaniel Bostwick, Charles Brown,
Joseph Brown, Jr., and Lewis Castle are professors of the Epis-
copal Church and attend public worship that way. Certified at
124 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Jericho in the county of Chittenden, State of Vermont this 5th
day of June, 1788.
By me Reuben Garlick, Rector.
Entered to record June 5th, 1788.
And recorded by me Jonathan Castle, Town Clerk."
"This may certify Hezekiah Clark is a member of the Bap-
tist Society in Jericho and professedly of sentiment similar with
this society.
Given under my hand as Moderator,
Edward Fay.
Entered and recorded June 17th, 1793.
Per me Jonathan Castle, Town Clerk."
At a town meeting January 27, 1836, the following resolution
was read and adopted :
"Whereas, the proprietors of the building heretofore denom-
inated the old meeting house in Jericho have sold or transferred
their interest in the same and the said house is about being taken
down whereby the said town will be deprived of the usual place
of holding freeman's meetings ; therefore
Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed at
the present meeting who are hereby empowered to receive pro-
posals for building or furnishing a town house to be hereafter
used and occupied by the town of Jericho on all occasions for
the transaction of town business."
The building having been taken down, the Selectmen warned
a town meeting for the 12th day of August, 1836, to be held
"on the Common or Green" (on which the meeting house had
stood) and at the meeting it was voted to adjourn "to the base-
ment of the new meeting house" Sept. 6th, 1836.
Robert Balch, Oliver Lowry and Truman Galusha were
chosen a committee at a meeting, May 1st, 1837, to provide a
place for the transaction of town business until after the fol-
lowing March meeting, and to confer with the proprietors of
the new meeting house as to an arrangement with them for such
room. The committee reported September 5th, "that the pro-
prietors of the new meeting house at the Center, will let the
town occupy the north room of the basement of the new meeting
house for a town room to be used for all political meetings
of the town for the sum of two hundred dollars with interest from
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 125
the first day of March, 1837, one-half to be paid in the month
of June, A. D., 1838, and the other half in the month of June, A.
D., 1839." The town voted to accept the report, of its committee,
as well as to raise the money "for the payment of the basement
to the meeting house for town business." There is quite a dif-
ference in the amount of money required to defray the town
expenses in 1837 and in 1913. In 1837 the tax was ten cents
on the dollar of the list, while in 1913 it was $1.40 on the
dollar of the grand list. Earlier we find that for many years
town affairs were so managed that a tax on the grand list
from three and one-half to six cents on the dollar was suffi-
cient to defray the ordinary town expenses.
At a special town meeting held on the 21st of July, 1812,
Truman Barney was chosen constable to serve in the place of
Oliver Lowry, "who is detached in the Militia of this State and
ordered to actual service." The said Oliver Lowry addressed
his resignation as Constable to the Selectmen in writing and it
was accepted by them and recorded.
In November, 1820, it was voted "that individuals have the
privilege of building sheds on the public green, and that the
owners of the sheds move, build, and finish them where they
now stand, and that others have the privilege of building on
the west end of same." These sheds were for the accommoda-
tion of church-goers. (Editor's note: Meaning, doubtless, that
permission was given to such as had sheds to shift about and
repair the same. Permission also was given to others to build
new at the west end.)
At a freeman's meeting held on the last Tuesday of May,
1814, Heman Lowry was elected as a "delegate to represent
this town in a convention to be holden at Montpelier on the
first Thursday of July next for the purpose of bringing into
consideration certain amendments to the Constitution of this
State proposed by the Council of Censors November, 1813.
There was an article in the warning for a Town Meeting
to be held on the 6th day of March, 1821, "To see if the Town
will agree to request the Postmaster General to remove the
Postoffice to the Center of said Town," which was northeast of
the present village of Jericho Center. The meeting did so vote
126 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
and instructed the Town Clerk to notify the Washington au-
thorities of the action of the Town.
At a Town Meeting held September 4th, 1821, it was
voted that "it is the sense and wish of the inhabitants of the
Town of Jericho in a Town Meeting assembled that the jail
be erected at Williston if the inhabitants of said Town will
erect it at their own expense."
At a Town Meeting held March 4, 1822, Noah Chittenden
was chosen to represent the Town "in the convention of the
people of the State of Vermont to be holden at the State House
in Montpelier on the third Thursday of February next for the
purpose of taking into consideration certain amendments of the
Constitution proposed by the Council of Censors on March last."
At a Town Meeting held March 8, 1825, the Auditors re-
ported that the Town had obtained a judgment against the Town
of Milton of about three hundred dollars, and there would be a
balance to pay into the Treasury after paying the costs of two
hundred and fifty dollars.
At a Town Meeting held March 7, 1843, it was voted that
Constable be put up to the highest bidder, and Horatio B. Barney
bid the highest, $26.00, but the Meeting chose Dana Bicknell
first Constable.
Chapter II.
SCHOOLS.
THE REMAINING CHAPTERS ARE ARRANGED TOPICALLY.
The value of education was early recognized by our New
England forebears and the means for its dispensation was almost
as important a matter with them as was the establishment of a
church. The winter school as first evolved was supported by
the pupils attending, the master boarding around among the
familes he served. Later came the summer session, sometimes
presided over by a "mistress," whose services in the winter were
not desired because the large boys who attended during the
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 127
colder months required the heavy hand of a strong man to keep
them in order.
Teachers' salaries were small and were paid in grain, the
hardworking pedagogue sometimes being required to wait a
year for a settlement.
As late as 1860 town records show that the average paid
a male teacher per month was but $14 to $20, while that paid the
"schoolma'am" was an average of only $5 to $10.
The original division of the town into school districts was
largely a matter of convenience, children being obliged in many
cases to go long distances to school. However as the settlers
increased, the need of more and better schools was recognized
and the matter of their establishment was taken under considera-
tion by the town. The first move in this direction by the town
of Jericho seems to have been shortly previous to 1802, for in
that year it was voted to "accept the seven school districts as
brought forward by the Selectmen" ; and the following board of
school trustees was chosen: "1st District, Reuben Lee; 2nd,
Charles Brown; 3d, John Lyman; 4th, Noah Chittenden; 5th,
James Bentley, Jr. ; 6th, William Rood, and 7th, Wm. Young."
From time to time as necessity required the town increased
the number of school districts from the seven above mentioned
to sixteen, and frequently by vote transferred persons living in
one district to another where it would be more convenient.
March 5th, 1822, by vote of the town, School Districts Nos.
9 and 10 were created out of a part of the lands of District No. 1.
A portion of District No. 5 was set off to a School District in Un-
derbill to be accomplished under the direction of a committee
therewith appointed. March 4th, 1823, School District No. 12
south of Jericho Corners was created out of a part of District No.
3. School District No. 6 was given leave to organize with a part
of Richmond. In March, 1824, the 12th School District was
annexed to District No. 3, and the selectmen were appointed a
committee to examine the condition of the records and to pro-
cure a suitable bookcase for the books of the town.
At the annual meeting in March, 1832, the Third School
District was divided by the line of the road leading to the grist
mill, east of this line to be known as the 14th School District,
128 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
but the following year these Districts were again united under
name of District No 3.
As before stated, families in one School District were some-
times transferred to a District more convenient! March 27,
1827, Billings Strowd was so transferred, being set off to the
4th School District in Bolton, the town of Bolton having voted
to receive him into their fold. March 4th, 1828, Vincent Nash
was set off to the 10th School District in Richmond, he having
presented the following certificate.
"At a school meeting legally warned and holden in the Tenth
School District in Richmond it voted to receive Mr. Vincent
Nash of Jericho in said District according to an act in that
case made and provided. Dated at Richmond, the 3rd day of
March, 1828."
This certificate was signed by the District Clerk.
On the 5th day of March, 1822, at a town meeting Simon
Bicknell, William A. Prentis, Hosea Bliss, Lemuel Blackman,
William P. Richardson, Truman Galusha and Joseph Porter
were chosen a superintending committee for common schools.
This was a committee of uncommon ability.
Money for the support of the schools was first raised by a
direct tax on the families of so much per scholar, but this method
soon gave way to the more equitable one of figuring the tax upon
the district grand list. March 3rd, 1812, a tax of one per cent,
on the dollar was voted the support of schools, to be paid in
grain.
That the assessors might have no difficulty in allotting the
value of real estate to its proper School district, March 1st, 1842,
it was voted that the selectmen determine the boundaries of
School districts in any doubtful cases. It was likewise voted
"that the preference to loan out the surplus money be given those
who have not had any of the surplus money, and that Joseph
P. Lavigne, Peter Bissonnette and Abraham Butler have their
portion of the pubUc money."
March 3rd, 1868, two central schools were established in town
designated as No. 1 and No. 2. No. 2 included School districts,
Nos. 2, 3, 8, and 11 and that part of No. 7 in Underbill which lay
in the town of Jericho; while No. 1 included the remainder of
the town. A committee of three for each Central school was ap-
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 129
pointed to provide suitable housing and to locate the same. This
committee were given power to assess a tax on the list of their
respective districts, to defray the expense of these Central schools,
and to elect a prudential committee of three for each school.
Nothing came of the project however.
School superintendents were faithful to the duties of their
office, as is shown by the report of Rufus Smith to the town meet-
ing of 1856. As superintendent he had examined and licensed
twenty-six teachers ; had made four visits to the dififerent schools
in town; and had found the number of scholars attending to be
366; the number of scholars in each District being as follows:
In District No. 1, 38; No. 2, Church Street, 37; No. 3, Corners,
59; No. 4, Onion River, 32; No. 5, Little River, 19; No. 6,
south, 37; No. 7, Mill Brook, 35; No. 8, Cyrus Packard's, 13;
No. 9, Clapp, 15; No. 11, Lyman's, 23; No. 13, J. Smith's, 30;
No. 14, L. Stimson's, 28; and that the average months of school-
ing for the year were six.
Two years later the total number of scholars attending school
had dropped to 334, with an average attendance of 273, accord-
ing to the annual report of the town school superintendent. In
1859 the total number of scholars attending the summer schools
was 313, with an average of 139, due no doubt to the demand of
farm work, in which each member of the family was allotted a
part. At the winter session, the total of pupils jumped to 339,
with 268 an average attendance. The money expenided for
schools that year was $806, certainly not an exorbitant sum.
The legislature of 1870 passed an act whereby a town by a
majority vote of the freemen present at any annual March meet-
ing might abolish the school district system. Jericho took ad-
vantage of that act at the March meeting of 1871 and abolished
the District system under which they were then working by
vote of 1 14 to 70, and elected a board of six school directors :
E. H. Lane and L. B. Howe to serve for three years ; E. S. Whit-
comb and E. W. Humphrey for two years; and H. S. Wright
and L. F. Wilbur for one year. The board had the care and
custody of all school property, and the supervision, management
and control of the public schools. The board had the power to
elect a chairman who should have the power and duties imposed
upon town superintendents of schools.
130 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Not all were satisfied with the adoption of this town system
of schools, and these dissatisfied voters caused a special meet-
ing to be held March 27th, 1871, in an unsuccessfiil attempt to
rescind the vote of the previous meeting. It was claimed by
those adverse to the town school system that the back districts
would be deprived of schools, and their scholars forced to go
long distances for their schooling. This feeling extending pretty
generally over the state caused the legislature of 1872 to pass an
Act that any' town having abolished its District school system,
might have the right at the March meeting of 1873 or at any
fourth annual March meeting thereafter, to return to the District
system on a majority vote of the freemen assembled. Pursuant
to this Act the town of Jericho at its annual March meeting,
1873, voted that the town school system be abolished.
From this date Jericho made use of the District System un-
til 1893, when the Legislature by enactment made the Town
System compulsory. Besides the Primary and Intermediate
grades, comprising the first 6 years' work as taught in all Dis-
tricts, there was added at Jericho Corners the Grammar School
and at Jericho Center were added the Grammar School and later
the High School Department from which students pass on to
college work.
At this same session of the Legislature, 1893, the Underbill
Graded School District was incorporated out of what had been
District No. 2 of Jericho and No. 3 Underbill; and from this
school also its graduates have entered college work.
Chapter III.
TOWN POOR.
The division of wealth among the pioneers of a country
follows closely the ideas of our modem socialists. Game is
plentiful, land may be had for the taking, housing, clothes, furni-
ture, and the few implements required in the necessarily crude
tiUing of the soil are largely the work of the family. A man's '
wealth depending upon his health and strength, his rifle, quick-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 131
ness of eye and skill of hand. With the passing of the years and
the growth of a more complex life, the dependency of the fam-
ily upon itself is less marked. Through barter or a closer ap-
plication to work one family gains a surplus of necessaries that
may be exchanged for labor or other necessaries with a neigh-
bor not quite so industrious. So through the succeeding years
.the division becomes greater and greater, giving rise to that con-
dition of the very rich and of the very poor. The duty of the
community to its poor and incapacitated was early recognized
among New Englanders, and through the experience gained by the
application of various methods has arisen our present system
of alleviating the want of our community poor.
Among these settlers was a constant struggle between kind-
ness of heart and that frugality induced and fostered by their
battle with wilderness odds. It was not surprising that they
should have hit upon the plan that at once relieved their con-
sciences and saved their pocketbooks, namely that of selling the
care of their physically incapacitated at public vendue to the
lowest bidder.
The pioneers of Jericho were no exception to the rule,
and it was not until 1827 that any marked need arose for town
action in the interest of commimity poor. In that year the care
of two unfortunates was sold at auction: John Bartlett to Wil-
liam Bartlett for the sum of $65 to cover all expenses for the
year; and Julia Bentley to Harvey Field for the sum of $43.50
to cover board and nursing for one year.
In 1829 together with the sale of the care of the town
charges it was voted to furnish John Davis with ten cords of
wood for the year, and John T. Clapp engaged to furnish the
same for $1.00 per cord. Hosea Bliss (presumably a physi-
cian) engaged to furnish for one year all medical aid required
by those charges then under the care of the town and for such
others as might come under town care during this period for
the sum of $20.00.
In 1830 it was voted to dispose of the poor to the lowest bid-
der including board, clothing and nursing, but in 1831 it was
voted to "set the medical aid to Secretary Rawson for the town
poor, for those that are now in the town and for those that
132 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
may come on the town during the year, for thirty-three dollars,
he being the lowest bidder."
1834 our good people had made another advance and it was
voted that no more paupers be sold for the present and the Over-
seer was instructed to dispose of their care in some other way,
failing which he might "vendue them" at an adjourned meet-
ing. His action in the matter we do not know, but there does
not appear to have been any public sale.
In 1835 John T. Clapp bid off the care of town poor for the
lump sum of $398.00.
That the towns generally were waking up to the faults of the
public sale to lowest bidder plan is shown by the commimication
received from the town of Underbill in December, 1836, a copy
of which is appended:
"Sirs, previous to our freemen's meeting on the 8th of No-
vember last, we received a request from T. Chase, Overseer of
the poor of the town of Westford, to appoint a committee to
deliberate with such other committee as may be appointed by 3
or 4 adjoining towns on the subject of providing a suitable house
and farm for the residence of the paupers of such towns as may
unite for that purpose, and in compliance with said request we
have laid the matter before said town and have appointed said
Committee. We now respectfully request you to unite with us
in the same object and appoint a committee for that purpose if
you shall judge best on your meeting on the 15th instant. It is
requested that such committee may deliberate on the subject in
time to report to our next annual March meeting. Yours with
due respect.
JOHN PARKER
REUBEN PARKER V Committee."
JOSEPH WELLS
}
December 15th, 1836, the town appointed Arthur Bostwick,
Elias Bartlett and Joseph Griffin a committee in compliance with
this request. March 6th, 1838, the town voted "that this town
appoint a committee to buy a farm and erect a poorhouse, and
that this committee be authorized to confer with other towns and
request their cooperation, and if they are willing let them come in
and unite with us in this object, and that we vote to raise one
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 133
thousand dollars if the same shall be necessary to carry this ob-
ject into effect." Nathaniel Blackman, Oliver Lowry and Tru-
man Galusha were appointed this committee, but nothing further
appears to have come of this effort to better the system of car-
ing for town poor.
In 1858, September 7th, the town voted to purchase and equip
a farm for the support of the town poor and appointed Ezra
Elliot, George B. Oakes and Hiram Day a committee to carry
this vote into effect. They were restricted in the expense of this
project to the amount of surplus money. This vote was never
carried out.
Town records show that in 1859 the cost of caring for town
poor was $647.51.
January 2nd, 1861, the question again arose, and it was
voted "that a committee be appointed to purchase an interest in
the Union poor farm for the support of the poor if in the judg-
ment of said committee it shall be for the interest of the town so
to do."
This Union poor farm was one supported by the joint as-
sociation of the towns of Essex, Williston and Shelburne, and
was known as The Union Poor Farm Association. It was lo-
cated near Essex Junction in the town of Williston and has been
in successful operation ever since.
George B. Oakes, U. S. Whitcomb and L. A. Bishop, select-
men, were appointed this committee and reported that they "have
accomplished the object for which they were appointed by buy-
ing five-nineteenths of said farm estimated at $8,300.00, it being
the sum of $2,256.70, and we also purchased five-nineteenths of
the personal property on said farm for $414.27 amounting in all
to $2,670.97." It was thereupon voted that such an amount of
the surplus money as might be required be used to pay for the
town's interest therein. That this association of the towns in a
common object has been less expensive as well as more humane
than the old way of farming the poor out to the lowest bidder, is
proved by the fact that from 1861 to 1862 the cost to the town
for the care of its poor dropped to $339.50, about one-half what it
had been the previous year.
This Union Poor Farm Association was organized to con-
tinue for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which it was
10
134 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
reorganized by vote of the several towns interested. Since its
reorganization the towns of Hinesburg and South Burlington
have been admitted, and with the towns of Jericho, Essex, Shel-
burne and Williston make up the Association as it is today.
In 1869 it appears from the report of the poor master and
poor farm directors that, after paying the entire cost of sup-
porting the poor during the year, Jericho's share in the surplus
remaining amounted to $69.50. In view of this excellent show-
ing a tax of but ten cents on the grand list was voted for town
expenses, the smallest tax that had been voted for many years.
Chapter IV.
TEMPERANCE.
In the early history of Jericho the merchants in town were
located either in the village at Jericho or at Jericho Center, and
their trade was to a large extent on credit with the understand-
ing that the pay for the goods purchased should be made in
potash, cattle and grain, the following fall and winter. This
mode of doing business was quite general throughout Vermont.
It was a general practice for merchants just before they went to
market for the purpose of purchasing their stock of goods, to
settle with their customers so far as possible, and get their promis-
sory notes in payment of unpaid bills. Times were hard, and
customers found it difficult to pay their bills and notes as they
fell due, and merchants found it difficult to collect from their cus-
tomers sufficient money to take to market to buy their goods, so
merchants to obtain the necessary funds would place the unpaid
notes and accounts for collection in the hands of the local lawyer,
who would advance to the merchant the money necessary. While
the merchants were gone to market, suits would be brought to en-
force collection of the unpaid notes and accounts. The merchants
being absent would escape much criticism and abusive talk from
their customers. But when the merchant returned he did not
fail to bring with his new stock of merchandise, a good supply
of rum and molasses. Most people in those days drank intoxi-
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 136
eating liquors. When he returned and an old customer entered
his store in an unfriendly state of mind with language not compli-
mentary, he was taken one side, and after an explanation and
apologies and a liberal treat by the merchant, both became again
fast friends, and the old customer continued to give the mer-
chant his trade. When notes and bills payable in cattle or grain,
became due in October and January, the usual months throughout
Vermont for the maturing of such notes and bills, the debtor
would drive his cattle or bring his grain to the village to the
creditor to apply upon the debt, and if they did not agree upon the
price, they would select some person or persons acquainted with
the value of such property to set the price that should be ap-
plied on the debt.
Under the law previous to the prohibitory statute of 1852
town selectmen were empowered to grant licenses to maintain
public inns and for the sale therein of certain kinds of liquors.
Under this law Rufus Brown was licensed in 1851 to keep the
Bostwick House near Underbill for one year and to sell therein
small beer and cider, but not wines, strong beer, or spirituous
liquors, and to be governed in all respects by the Legislative Act
of November 3rd, 1846. Mr. Brown maintained this Inn for a
period of about 20 years. In 1862 he was succeeded by L. M.
Dixon, who was given a selectmen's license. In 1863 Martin
C. Barney and Luther S. Prouty were each granted a license to
maintain a hotel or house of entertainment. In 1867 Dana
Bicknell was licensed to keep a hotel.
Following the prohibitory Act of 1852 the town was per-
mitted to appoint an agent whose business it should be to carry
and dispense for mechanical, chemical and medicinal purposes
the liquors thereby required. The agent's stock in trade was
furnished by the town and was sold to cover the expense of
handling and to return a small percentage of profit to the town.
The following resolutions passed at a town meeting held in
November, 1844, show how the public mind had changed re-
garding the use of intoxicants, formerly considered as a matter
of course:
1st. "Resolved, as the sense of this meeting that the use
of intoxicating drinks as an ordinary beverage is injurious, and
that being so, the use and traffic in them ought to be discouraged ;
136 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
2nd. "Resolved, that the civil authority in this town are
advised to take all proper measures to restrain the use and
traffic in intoxicating liquors that are consistent with law ;
3rd. "Resolved, that the town of Jericho hereby respectfully
request the Judges of Chittenden County Court to discontinue
the licenses to retailers and to Innkeepers and that the selectmen
of the town be directed to dehver to each of the said judges a copy
of these resolutions."
(Editor's Note: The Prohibitory Law was a good law for
Jericho and kept the traffic in intoxicants out of our limits far
better than any form of license has ever done. A generation of
temperance men and women grew up in the half century that
the Prohibitory Law was upon our Statutes, whose industry has
given the town great prosperity. The town would greatly pre-
fer some form of prohibition to the present Local Option Law.
As the following table seems to indicate, the Local Option
Law went into effect in 1903, and the following has been the
vote of the town on this matter at the March meetings :
Year Yies No
1903 124 108
1904 32 122
1905 47 107
1906 SO 110
1907 31 104
1908 34 117
1909 11 85
1910 13 97
1911 11 66
1912 13 90
1913 24 97
1914 15 86
1915 19 99
1916 28 131
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 137
Chapter V.
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
For centuries before the coming of the white settlers the
territory now known as Vermont had been traversed by Indians
to and from their homes in the Canadian forests to the hunting
grounds along the Connecticut. One of the main pathways
across the state ran along the southwestern border of Jericho
following the banks of Onion River, now called the Winooski.
These Indian paths, holding in the main to the banks of water-
courses were mere trails through the wilderness but with the
coming of the white settler they began to take a more permanent
form. At first travel through the wilderness was limited to foot
and horseback, following scarcely cleared paths marked out by
white blazes in the bark of trees, passage of the streams and
rivers being achieved where sand bars and shoals made fording
possible. Gradually these improved as the requirements of the
settlement demanded until they became fair thoroughfares adapted
to wagon and cart. From time to time new roads were cut and
bridges erected. In 1805 we find by town records the select-
men were directed to estabhsh such a new road from the meeting
house in Jericho to the Essex line by Barney's saw-mill. This
was undoubtedly done, for in 1808 we find that the selectmen
were appointed a conmiittee to settle with one David Oakes for
his horse lost by the insufficiency of the bridge near Mr. Barney's
mill.
The roads already in being were taken over by the town on
vote of the freemen, and the expense of their upkeep became a
common charge. As in the case of the School districts it was
found that the matter could be handled with greater fairness to
individuals by dividing the town into highway districts, each
district deriving its revenue for road work from a tax on the
grand list therein. The bridges came to be the cause of greats-
est expense, both as to first cost and upkeep. That this was
quite an item is attested by a statement in the town records under
date of September 1st, 1835. At this time Nathaniel Blackman,
Jedediah Field and Arthur Bostwick were chosen a committee to
confer with a committee from the third highway district relative
138 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
to repairing or rebuilding the bridge across Brown's River at
Jericho Corners which was reported to be in a dangerous con-
dition for travel. The committee reported this to be true and
advised that "a new bridge should be erected immediately," the
cost of which would be $350.00. The committee recommended
the raising of $200 toward the work by means of a direct tax on
the grand list, provided that the inhabitants of the third district
complete the bridge agreeably to a plan of the committee. The
$200 was appropriated and the bridge was built.
In the years 1836-37 petitions were made for three new
bridges across Brown's River. One, a covered bridge, in the
second school district near Underbill Flats ; a second at the Lyman
Reed crossing; and a third at the Buxton Mill privilege (so
called) . These the town voted to build provided that the districts
interested put in the abutments and make the filling. This was
accordingly done. At this time the town had no less than
twenty-three bridges to keep in order.
About the year 1837 or 1838 a committee appointed by the
Supreme Court laid out a county road from Hinesburg through
Richmond and Jericho to Cambridge in Lamoille County. The
town does not appear to have been satisfied with the survey as
made by the Court's committee over that portion of the route
from Capt. Griffin's place near Lee River to Harvey Orr's, and
sought to have it changed, apparently without success. In 1840
there was an article in the warning for town meeting "to see
what measures the town will take to work the road from Rich-
mond to Underbill laid by a committee called the county road,"
and the town at that warned meeting voted that "the selectmen
be a committee to expend not to exceed two hundred dollars to
make' the county road through the town." This county road, so
far as it was in Jericho, ran from Richmond line through Jericho
Center direct to Underbill line at Underbill Flats, passing the
house formerly owned by Cyrus Packard where the present road
runs.
March 2nd, 1841, it was voted to divide the town into small
highway districts, the selectmen having such division in charge,
and the following were elected district highway surveyers:
James Hamilton for the 1st district; Joseph Brown for the
2nd ; John Bliss for the 3rd ; Orley Thompson for the 4th ; Simeon
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 139
Pease for the 5th ; Hiram Rood for the 6th ; Daniel C. Nash for
the 7th; Lyman Stimson for the 8th; Elisha Seabury for the
9th; David Skinner for the 10th; Reuben Rockwood for the
Uth; Jackson Cilley for the 12th; and Alvah Martin for the
13th.
At a town meeting held on the 4th day of February, 1852,
the following resolutions were adopted, evidently because of out
of town pressure for the building of a new bridge :
"Resolved, as the sense of this meeting that the accommo-
dation to the public of a bridge across Onion River at Fay's
Ferry bears no just proportion to the expense of constituting it ;
that as the town we feel no interest in it, and that it will accom-
modate but few of our citizens and those are sufficiently well
accommodated elsewhere. For those, among other reasons, we
are opposed to being taxed as is proposed for building said
bridge and hereby direct the proper town authorities to op-
pose our being thus taxed by all lawful means."
In 1856, however, the town voted to build a bridge across
Onion River near, but not at, the R. B. Fay Ferry (so called)
mentioned in the resolution of '52, and the selectmen were ap-
pointed a committee to confer with the selectmen of Williston,
Essex and Underbill in the matter. This bridge was to be lo-
cated near where the Jericho Comer road intersects the Onion
River road, about one mile up the river from the ferry. About
this time a petition was presented to the County Court signed
principally by Williston people praying that the towns of Essex,
Jericho and Underbill be forced to stand with Williston their
share of the expense of a bridge across Onion River at Fay's
Ferry. A petition was also presented praying that the bridge
might be built as planned near the Jericho Corner road. As a re-
sult of these petitions, Paul Dillingham of Waterbury, Hon. Wm.
Weston of Burlington, and Elijah Root of Shelburne, were ap-
pointed Commissioners by the Court to hear both parties and
to report to the Court. These commissioners reported in favor
of the bridge at Fay's Ferry, and, on the strength of this report,
the Court ordered the bridge built at that spot, and called on
the interested towns to bear their share of its cost in the fol-
lowing proportions: Williston 27-60; Essex 14-60; Jericho 14-60;
and Underbill 5-60. The expense of this bridge was around
140 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
$6,000.00. The second petition was dismissed on the ground
that public necessity and convenience did not require a bridge
at the spot named.
There are in all, at the present writing about 70 miles of
highway and 40 bridges in the town of Jericho, the repair and up-
keep of which is maintained by a tax of 30 cents on a dollar and
5 per cent, state tax. The automobiles have brought about a
serious problem in roadbuilding which cannot but result in the
bettering of our already good roads.
RAILROADS.
For many years the produce of the beautiful and fertile
Lamoille valley was marketed by means of horse and ox drawn
vehicles. In 1869, however, the Legislature passed an Act in-
corporating the Northern Vermont and Lake Champlain Railroad
Company, granting it the right to build a railroad from some
point in the town of Cambridge in Lamoille County, through the
towns of Cambridge, Underbill, Westford, Jericho and Essex to
■ 5ssex Junction, there connecting with other roads.
The town of Jericho at a town meeting held April 11th,
1872, voted "to aid in the construction of said road" by a vote of
180 to 135, and appointed three commissioners to subscribe for
two hundred and thirty shares of one hundred dollars each of the
capital stock of the company, and to carry into efifect the vote
of the town to aid in the road's construction. This vote to aid
in the construction of the road was given with many conditions
attached thereto, but nothing came of the town's action in the
matter.
In 1874 a move was made to promote a road to be called
the Burlington and Lamoille Railroad, to run from the Lake shore
within Burlington city limits, to a point in the town of Cam-
bridge, connecting with the Lamoille Valley Railroad, already
built. There was a strong opposition to the proposition that the
town aid in its construction, as, it having been planned to run
the road through the northern part of the town only, it was felt
that but a portion of the town would be benefited thereby. To
test the feeling of the townspeople, L. F. Wilbur drew up the
following paper:
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 141
"We, the undersigned, legal voters in the town of Jericho,
favor the bonding of the town of Jericho in aid of the construc-
tion of the Burlington and Lamoille Railroad to an amount not
exceeding three times the grand list," which was circulated and
so readily signed that it was believed that, if a meeting were
called, the town would vote to aid in the construction of the
road. Such a meeting was called on the 6th day of August,
1874, and aid in the construction of the road was unanimously
voted.
Commissioners were appointed and instructed to subscribe
for two hundred and thirty shares of the capital stock of the com-
pany amounting to twenty-three thousand dollars.
Many conditions were attached to the action of the town in
extending its aid to the project, one of which was that the line
of road should run south and east of the village of Jericho
Corners if practicable.
The stock was subscribed for as voted. The statutes re-
quired that a suitable book be provided in which the tax payers
should enter their names assenting to the vote, the grand list
of each person signing to be entered opposite his name. Not un-
til a majority of tax payers, in number showing a majority of
the grand list in amount, had signed, was the vote binding upon
the town. Such majority, however, was obtained, and the twenty-
three thousand dollars and interest paid, the road being com-
pleted in 1876. To aid the completion of the road several Jericho
citizens purchased shares in the company from their private
purse. The writer of this sketch purchased one share of the
value of $100.00. None of these private purchasers expected
to reap any returns, or in fact to even get their money back,
and they were not disappointed as the road soon passed into
other hands through the foreclosure of prior claims. The Bur-
lington and Lamoille Railroad soon came under control of the
Central Vermont, and is now operated by the Grand Trunk Rail-
road Co.
142
HISTORY OP JEEICHO, VERMONT.
Chapter VI.
JERICHO MEN AS SOLDIERS.
The men of Jericho have always willingly performed their
share of the military service demanded by their country. This
was true in the Revolutionary War, in the struggle against the
greed and tyranny of New York State when it threatened to de-
prive Vermont of its independent existence; in the War of 1812,
particularly at the Battle of Plattsburg; in the trouble with
Mexico in 1846-48, and in the great slaveholders' rebellion of
1861.
The following named forty-three men, residents of Jericho,
enUsted in the military service of the United States during the
War of 1812-14, and took part in the Battle of Plattsburg, one
of the principal engagements that decided the outcome of the war :
Jonas Marsh
John Thompson
Luther Prouty
Sylvanus Blodgett
William Smith
Edy Humphrey
Philander Benham
John Porter, Jr.
Zebedee Packard
Nathan Smith
Eber Bartlett
Warren Ford
Myron Chapin
William Rood
Stephen Lane
Nathan Smith
Julius Bliss
John Benham
William Rouse
Stephen Lyman
Harvey Field
Harry M. Wilder
Salmon Fay
John Porter
Azariah Rouse
John Downing
Surgeon Eleazer Hutchins
Charles How
Silas S. Rood
William Richardson
James Rood
Abijah Whitton
Thomas Reed
Jedediah Lane
OUver Rouse
Heman N. Hurlburt
Brigham How
Oliver Wilder
Henry Howe
Lewis Johnson
William Brown
Serget. Nathan Scranton
James Thompson
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 143
The following men, residents of Jericho, were also in the
military service during the War of 1812 :
Joseph Brown, a teamster, was drafted at Plattsburg, March
12, 1813, being pressed into the service while absent from home
with his team.
Sylvanus Parsons, who was a private in Peter L. Allen's
company of Col. George Tyler's regiment, Vermont Militia. He
volunteered Sept. 7th, 1814.
Gilmore Seeley, who was a private in Capt. Danforth's
company. He enlisted at Middlebury in the spring of 1813.
A pension was granted the following persons : John Benham ;
Polly Brown, widow of Joseph Brown; Harvey Field; Edy
Humphrey ; Betsy Hutchins, widow of Eleazer Hutchins, surgeon
in Col. Tyler's regiment; Stephen Lyman, who volunteered at
Jericho, Sept. 7, 1814; Jonas Marsh, who was a private in Capt.
Myron Reed's company; Sylvanus Parsons, a private in Capt.
Peter L. Allen's company; Hepzebah Prouty, widow of Luther
Prouty, who was sergeant in the company commanded by Capt.
Myron Reed. Luther Prouty made application for a pension, but
died in 1856 or '57 before it was granted; Hulda Reed, widow
of Thomas Reed, who was a private in Capt. Myron Reed's com-
pany; and to Gilmore Seeley, who was a private and was dis-
charged because of poor health.
In the war with Mexico, Jericho contributed two men,
Harvey Thompson and Daniel W. Morehouse, who served under
General Winfield Scott.
When the flames of war swept across the north in 1861,
ushering in the greatest rebellion the world has ever seen, Jericho
was again found ready to do her part. Of the men who en-
listed at the first call to arms, sixteen re-enlisted when their term
of service expired. One hundred and thirty-eight men in all en-
listed from Jericho, eleven of whom were killed, and twenty-
three of whom died of wounds or disease, a total of 34, nearly
25 per cent. Ninety-two were mustered out.
As the war drew on to its second year the demand for men
became ever more insistent. Of each loyal state was demanded
a certain number of soldiers based on its population. The state
of course was forced to divide this number pro rata among its
towns. As company after company and troop after troop was
144
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
enrolled and swept away to join the army in the south, the states
became drained of men to such an extent that it was necessary
to offer some inducement to supply the number demanded. Ac-
cordingly it was the custom of the towns to offer a certain sum
of money as a bounty to men who would enlist. A town meeting
was held January 8th, 1863, to see if the town would vote a tax
to raise the money offered to volunteers from Jericho in the way
of bounties. The following is the list of volunteers and the
amount of the bounty paid to each :
Three year men $ Nine months' men $
R. G. Munson 100 L. H. Bostwick SO
Daniel Dixon 100
P. T. Drew 60
Erastus Powell 60
Morris H. Griffin 60
Samuel York 60
Patrick McGovern 60
Wilson Bentley 60
Eli N. Peck 60
Benj. F. Robinson 60
Reuben M. Babcock 60
Loren P. Bentley 60
Benial McGee 60
Wilkins Rockwood 60
Byron D. Mathews 60
Charles M. Carty 60
Isaac N. Brooks 60
Willis Wells 85
Norman I. Rice 85
Henry W. York 135
Caleb P. Nash 135
JuHus Bliss 135
In December 1863 the town voted that the selectmen be au-
thorized to pay a bounty not exceeding three hundred and fifty
dollars to each volunteer who has been or shall be mustered into
the United States service from Jericho before January 6th, 1864,
and applied toward the town's quota under the call o'f the Presi-
dent for volunteers. March 1st, 1864, the selectmen reported
they had enlisted twenty men: Alexander Plant, Victor Plant,
Hubbell B. Smith 100
Zantha Parker 100
Michael Phillips 100
Victor Lavalle 100
Joseph Russin 100
Lewis Tatro 100
Julius Miller 100
C. C. Richardson 110
A. G. Bradley 110
C. L. Church 110
Artemas W. Bemis 110
Elias Burns 110
J. L. Hurson 125
Edgar E. Wright 125
Oliver Lucia 135
Barney Leddy 135
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 145
John Guyette, James H. Van Cor, Patrick McGovern, Truman
C. Hatch, W. I. Flowers, Thomas H. Palmer, John H. Hastings,
Daniel E. Smith, Edward Fay, James Flinn, Joseph Cammel,
Bernard McKenna, John Benway, James Sweeney, L. S. Whit-
comb, Bliss A. Atchinson, James Carroll and Alexander Spooner
and that the sum of $350.00 had been paid to each.
At a town meeting held on the 18th day of March, 1864, it
was voted that the selectmen be authorized to enlist volunteers
in anticipation of a call for troops by the President, and that the
bounties offered be left to the discretion of the selectmen but
that no bounties be paid until the volunteer had been mustered into
the United States service. At a town meeting September 6th,
1864, a tax of two hundred per cent, on the list was voted to
pay bounties offered volunteers under the last call of the
President for five hundred thousand men, the amount of such
bounties to be left to the discretion of the selectmen. At the
March meeting of 1865 the selectmen reported the following
liabilities in filling the quota assigned to the town, and pre-
sented the following list of men enlisted and the amount of
bounty paid to each :
For three years $ For one year $
Gilbert E. Davis 500 Lewis Perigo 500
William Rice 400 Charles Sweeney 500
Timothy Hathaway . .400 Charles Benway 415
Frank Bordeau 400 Franklin Martin 500
William Turner 400 Oscar J. Pixley 500
Richard Roche 400 Joel P. Woodworth 500
Mortimer W. Brown .500 Lewis I. Wells 450
Byron B. Hatch 500 William J. Fuller 500
William Johnson 500 George D. Sherman 500
Franklin L Brown . . .500 Clark Reynolds 400
Frederick Fuller 500 Russell Tomlinson 500
A Southern Recruit . .428"/ioo
146
HISTORY OF JEltlCHO, VERMONT.
Men enlisted under call for tWee hundred thousand men.
For three years
$ For one year
$
Robert Baxter 850
Thomas H. Early 800
Napoleon Larose 800
John Van Ornum 800
George D. Drury 800
Lewis Richards 550
Alfred Hill 500
Royce Camp 550
Lewis Albert 500
Peter Albert 550
Joseph Ploof 550
Byron Hall 500
The following is a list of the names of all the men enlist-
ing in the Civil War from Jericho, with the date of their en-
listment, and some other records of their service. It is not our
purpose to give the actual time each soldier served, but it will
be understood the term of enlistment was for three years unless
otherwise stated. Where the name of any man appears twice
it indicates a re-enlistment:
Names.
Abner S. Richardson,
BHnn Atchinson,
Henry J. Parker,
Samuel Bentley,
Napoleon Bissonette,
James Austin Bixby,
Edgar Chamberlin,
Patrick Downs,
Simeon C. Edwards,
Joseph W. Ellis,
Truman C. Hatch,
Allen Kimpton,
Charles Lucia,
Patrick Lavelle,
John McGovern,
Daniel B. Smith,
John W. Wade,
John P. Ware,
Robert White,
Blinn Atchinson,
Wm. J. Flowers,
Date of
enlistment.
May 2, 1861,
May 2, 1861,
May 2, 1861,
Aug. 27, 1861,
Aug. 26, 1861,
Sept. 19, 1861,
Aug. 27, 1861,
Aug. 21, 186L
Aug. 19, 1861,
Aug. 26, 1861,
Aug. 26, 1861,
Aug. 29, 1861,
Aug. 21, 1861,
Aug. 26, 1861,
Aug. 23, 1861,
Aug. 17, 1861.
Aug. 22, 1861,
Aug. 31, 1861,
Sept. 6, 1861,
Sept. 29, 1861,
Sept. 25, 1861,
Remarks.
enlisted for 3 months,
enlisted for 3 months,
enlisted for 3 months.
wounded.
killed May, 10, 1864.
wounded, reenlisted.
deserted.
reenlisted.
wounded.
wounded.
wounded.
wounded.
lost an arm.
wounded.
in cavalry.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT,
Edson C. Hilton,
147
Marcus Hoskins,
Wareham N. Pierce,
Franklin J. Brown,
William A. Brown,
Daniel G. Burns,
Hiram B. Fish,
Frederick A. Fuller,
William Johnson,
John H. Johnson,
Samuel B. Locklin,
Michael F. Martin,
Abner S. Richardson,
Burton C. Richardson,
Loren T. Richardson,
James White,
Edward C. Whitney,
Edwin H. Fassette,
Nelson Fassette,
Timothy Kennedy,
Horace C. Nash,
Edward B. Russell,
Lewis J. Wills,
The following men
Lucius A. Bostwick,
Reuben M. Babcock,
Wilson A. Bentley,
Isaac N. Brooks,
Oct.^ 16, 1861, died of injuries, his
horse shot under
I him.
Sept. 30, 1861, reenhsted in Mass.
Dec. 7, 1861,
Jan. 4, 1862, in 7th Vt. Regt., re-
enlisted.
Jan. 13, 1862, in 7th Vt. Regt., died
in service.
Dec. 7, 1861, in 7th Vt. Regt., died
in service.
Jan. 14, 1862, in 7th Vt. Regt.
Jan. 17, 1862,
Dec. 7, 1861, reenlisted Feb. 20th,
1864.
Nov. 4, 1861, sharp shooter.
Oct. 30, 1861, sharp shooter.
Dec. 5, 1861,
Nov. 21, 1861,
Oct. 31, 1861, sharp shooter, enlist-
ed 2nd time.
Nov. 25, 1861,
Dec. 12, 1861, died at Cainp William,
La.
Oct. 30, 1861, sharp shooter, enter-
ed service 2nd
time.
Feb. 26, 1862, at the age of 18 years.
Feb. 26, 1862, reenlisted April 19,
1864.
Mar. 13, 1862, killed in action June
29, 1862.
Mar. 11, 1862, wounded. Died at
Nashville, Tenn.
June 4, 1862, deserted.
June 27, 1862,
who enlisted for 9 months :
Sept. 10, 1862, died at Washington,
D. C.
Sept. 10, 1862, died at Fairfax, Va.
Sept. 10, 1862, died at Alexandria,
Va.
Sept. 10, 1862, aee 18 vears.
died at Washington,
D. C.
148
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Erastus Powell,
Charles McCarty,
J. T. Drew,
Eli N. Peck,
Jacob Drew,
Willis T. Wells,
Byron D. Matthews,
Norman J. Rice,
Loren T. Bentley,
Julius H. Bliss,
Morris L. Griffin,
Neal McGee,
Patrick McGovern,
Caleb P. Nash,
Benj. F. Robinson,
Z. W. Rockwood,
Henry W. York,
Samuel York,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
died at Occoquam,
Va.
died at Washington,
Va.
age 18 years,
died, July 12, 1863, at
Washington, D. C.
finger shot off.
The following men who enUsted for three years were:
R. J. Thomson,
Daniel Dixon,
Hubbell B. Smith,
Zanthy Parker,
Michael Phillips,
Victor Lavelle,
Joseph Russin,
Lewis Tatro,
Julius Miller,
Charles C. Richardson,
Albert G. Bradley,
Chauncey L. Church,
Artemas W. Bemis,
Elias Burns,
James S. Hurson,
Edgar E. Wright,
Oliver Lucia,
Barney Leddy,
RoUin M. Clapp,
Aug. 18, 1862,
Aug. 8, 1862,
Aug. 18, 1862,
Aug. 18, 1862,
Aug. 16, 1862,
Aug. 30, 1862,
Aug. 30, 1862,
Sept. 6, 1862,
Aug. 30, 1862,
Aug. 22, 1862,
Aug. 12, 1862,
Aug. 20, 1862,
Aug. 19, 1862,
Aug. 22, 1862,
Aug. 30, 1862,
Sept. 10, 1862,
Aug. 22, 1862,
Aug. 23, 1862,
April 21, 1863,
age 19 years,
wounded in groin.
in cavalry, killed in
action, age 20 years.
age 20 years. Sharp-
shooter.
age 19 years.
deserted.
age 18 years. Killed
in action,
age 17 years,
killed in action,
sharp shooter.
in cavalry. Killed in
action,
wounded,
killed in action,
in brigade band.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
The men who were drafted were, viz. :
149
Hawley C. Booth,
Edwin P. Gloyd,
Nathaniel Johnson, Jr.
Henry M. Field,
George Hall,
Sylvester Tarbox,
Hosea S. Wright,
David R. Biglow,
Buel S. Martin,
Phillip Prior,
Joseph B. Kingsbury,
Hira A. Percival,
L. F. Wilbur,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
July, 1863,
paid $3(X) for commu-
tation.
paid $300 for commu-
tation.
paid $300 for commu-
tation.
paid $300 for commu-
tation.
paid $300 for commu-
tation.
paid $300 for commu-
tation.
paid $300 for commu-
tation.
furnished a substitute.
furnished a substitute.
furnished a substitute.
furnished a substitute.
furnished a substitute.
furnished a substitute.
The following men were substitutes:
Thomas Robinson,
Charles Coe,
Thomas Roach,
Francis Barry,
Henry H. Lawrence,
Thomas Gorman,
substitute for David
R. Bigelow.
substitute for Joseph
B. Kingsbury and
discharged by Court
Martial,
substitute for Buel S.
Martin,
substitute for Hira A.
Percival and desert-
ed,
substitute for Phillip
Prior. Deserted,
substitute for L. F.
Wilbur. Killed in
action.
Other men were drafted but were exempt for physical dis-
ability. The following men enlisted:
Bliss A. Atchinson,
John Benway,
11
Dec. 4, 1863,
Dec. 22, 1863,
150
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Joseph Cammel,
James Carroll,
William J. Flower,
James Flynn,
Edward Fay,
John Guyotte,
John H. Hastings,
Truman C. Hatch,
Patrick McGoven,
Bernard McKenna,
Thomas H. Palmer,
Alexander Plant,
Victor Plant,
Daniel E. Smith,
Alexander Spooner,
James Sweeney,
James Henry Vancor,
Lewis S. Whitcomb,
Solomon Brigham,
Birney W. Hilton,
Eben C. Lemon,
Burton C. Richardson,
Edgar Chamberlain,
Blinn Atchinson,
John Hiram Johnson,
Patrick Lavelle,
Edwin H. Trick,
Gilbert E. Davis,
Mortimer W. Brown,
William Johnson,
Franklin J. Brown,
Frederick A. Fuller,
Dec. 26, 1863,
Dec. 10, 1863,
Dec. 3, 1863,
Dec. 4, 1863,
Dec. 14, 1863,
Dec. 28, 1863,
Dec. 17, 1863,
Dec. 2, 1863,
Dec. 4, 1863,
Dec. 26, 1863,
Dec. 18, 1863,
Dec. 15, 1863,
Dec. 17, 1863,
Nov. 22, 1863,
Oct. 29, 1863,
Dec. 17, 1863,
Dec. 18, 1863,
Dec. 28, 1863,
Dec. 21, 1863,
Dec. 30, 1863,
Dec. 2, 1863,
Nov. 13, 1863,
Dec. 15, 1863,
Dec. 31, 1863,
Dec. 21, 1863,
Dec. 15, 1863,
Dec. 15, 1863,
Aug. 11, 1864,
Aug., 1864,
Mar. 14, 1864,
Mar. 14, 1864,
Mar. 14, 1864,
died at Newbern, N.
C. In cavalry,
age 18 years,
age 18 years,
wounded,
age 18 years. Killed
in action,
age 20 years. Died at
Washington, D. C.
age 18 years,
age 20 years.
died of wounds,
wounded,
killed in action.
killed by an unseen
enemy.
age 18 years. Was
wounded.
age 18 years. In Wil-
derness, Va.
enlisted in Burlington
and lived there but
credited to Jericho.
killed at Cedar Creek,
Va.
The following men were enlisted for one year:
Charles Ben way,
William J. Fuller,
Franklin Martin,
Aug. 11, 1864, deserted. Joined C. A.
Sept. 5, 1864,
Aug. 17, 1864,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
151
Lewis Perrigo,
Oscar J. Pixley,
George D. Sherman,
Charles Sweeney,
Russell Tomlinson,
Lewis J. Wills,
Joel P. Woodworth,
Byron B. Hatch,
Aug. 2, 1864,
Aug. 16, 1864,
Sept. 2, 1864,
Aug. 28, 1864,
Aug. 12, 1864,
Aug. 17, 1864,
Aug. 31, 1864,
Feb. 2, 1864,
wounded.
died a prisoner at Sal-
isbury, N. C.
age 18
Sept.
years. Died
29, 1864.
The following men enlisted as substitutes for three years :
Richard Roach, substitute,
William Rice, substitute,
Frank Bordeaux, substitute,
William Turner, substitute,
Timothy Hathaway, substitute,
Harilah N. Reynolds, substitute,
for Leet A. Bishop. De-
serted.
for Daniel B. Bishop. De-
serted.
for Truman B. Barney.
for Henry M. Brown.
for Buel H. Day.
for Edgar H. Lane. De-
serted.
The following men enlisted for three years:
George B. Drury,
Robert Baxter,
Thomas H. Early,
Napoleon Larose,
John Van Omum,
Dec. 14, 1864,
Feb. 4, 1865,
Jan. 12, 1865,
Jan. 23, 1865,
Jan. 10, 1865,
The following men were enlisted for one year :
Lewis Albert,
Peter Albert,
Royce Camp,
Joseph Ploof,
Louis Richards,
Alfred Hill,
Byron S. Hall,
Jan. 10, 1865,
Jan. 10, 1865, age 19 years.
Jan. 10, 1865, age 18 years. In cav-
alry.
Jan. 10, 1865,
Jan. 11, 1865,
Jan. 9, 1865,
Feb. 13, 1865, age 19 years. Died
May 30, 1865.
In recognition of the soldiers from Jericho in '61, it was
voted March 5th, 1867, that the selectmen secure the services
of some person qualified to prepare a "Soldiers' Record" and that
]52 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
500 copies of this work be printed, the whole to be at the ex-
pense of the town. March 3rd, 1868, it was voted "that one
copy of the Soldiers' Record to be prepared be furnished each
family and soldier without family in town, and to soldiers
or their families or parents being out of town who were enlisted
to the credit of this town, without charge." And this purpose
was carried out as voted.
In mentioning these Jericho soldiers who so bravely and hon-
orably served their country and their town, we must not entirely
lose sight of the services of those who, remaining at home, took
their part in the administration of government and helped to
furnish the sinews of war. Neither must we overlook those
noble women who gave their husbands, their sweethearts, their
sons, that we might live in a united land. Picture them if you
will, bravely bearing the worry and the burdens of those who stay
at home, cheerfully busy making and sending to the front those
many necessities and comforts of which the soldiers in camp and
the wounded in field and hospital would otherwise have been de-
prived. In conclusion it should be said that the men of Jericho
who enlisted in the greatest rebellion of modern times, were
honorable and brave soldiers, who did heroic service in maintain-
ing the government, such service as the people of Jericho may well
be proud of. To lead in the Civil Government Abraham Lincoln
was found, the right man for the exalted position of President
of the United States. For a leader in the militia arm of the
Government the silent, calm and thoughtful General Grant was
found. The loyal men of the North were willing to follow the
leadership of such men as these, since they were not animated
by the hope of plunder, nor -the love of conquest. They found
themselves rather to be defenders of humanity and destroyers of
prejudice. Under their leadership our soldiers were the saviors
of this Nation and the liberators of men. They fought on until
our flag floated over a united people and a country without a
master and without a slave.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 153
Chapter VII.
JERICHO, THE TOWN.
The town of Jericho was orginally six miles square, but in
1795 five thousand acres were taken from its southern border by
act of Legislature, with land from other towns, to create the town
of Richmond.
Jericho is well watered by four streams : Winooski River run-
ning along the southern edge of the town ; Mill Brook, running
through the town from West Bolton to empty into Winooski
River and affording three mill sites ; Brown's River, that, rising
on Mansfield mountain, enters the town near Underbill village,
crosses the northern part, and, entering the town of Essex, event-
ually discharges its waters into the Lamoille River in Fairfax,
affording Jericho seven mill sites; and Lee River that has its
source among the mountains in the eastern part of the town of
Underbill and runs six miles across Jericho emptying into Brown's
River at Jericho Village, and gives the town two more mill
privileges.
The town is dotted with many sugar orchards, and its lands
are adapted to the purposes of dairying and the raising of grains.
There are many excellent farms near and on the rivers as well
as in the uplands of the town.
To those who delight in the sports of fishing and hunting the
locality is especially attractive.
Good, well worked roads are a feature of the town.
POPULATION.
Following the close of the Revolutionary war the town of
Jericho had a rapid growth in population and a corresponding in-
crease in the value of its property.
Population of Jericho.
Census of No.
1791 381
1800 728
1810 1185
154 HISTORY OF JBEIOHO, VERMONT.
1820 1219
1830 1654
1840 1684
1850 1837
1860 1669
1870 1757
1880 1687
1890 1461
1900 1373
1910 1307
The largest number was in 1850.
The appraised property of the town in 1791 was small in com-
parison to that of succeeding years, but in 1860 had increased
to a grand list of $5,310. In 1914 the grand list was $9,645.54.
The following excerpts are from an article prepared by L.
F. Wilbur, which appeared in the Chittenden Repvrter recently:
"Most of the land of the town is well adapted to' agricultural
purposes. There are no swamps creating miasma to render the
town an unhealthy place in which to live. Proverbially it has
been a healthy town in which to reside. Like most rural dis-
tricts of Vermont it has suffered in consequence of some of its
enterprising citizens emigrating to the west. But it is in ref-
erence to its present prosperity and the advantages that all new
comers will reap by becoming its actual residents, that I wish to
speak. The shipping points are now first-class. The people in
the northeasterly part of the town are accommodated by the
Underbill depot, which is within ten rods of the north line of
the town ; the south part of the town is accommodated at Rich-
mond; the southwesterly part by the depot at North Williston,
and the people of the whole town, as well as the people of West
Bolton and the eastern part of Essex, are well accommodated by
the depot at Jericho village. There are more than 100 dairies in
town, ranging from six to 80 cows each. There are three post
ofEces, one in each of the three villages. The village of Under-
bill Flats, (so called), the larger part of which being in Jericho,
is a prosperous village. On the Jericho side of the line are four
stores, a steam sawmill, a grist mill, a tin shop, two physicians, an
Episcopal and a Methodist church. The village at the Center has
three stores, a blacksmith shop, a Congregational Church in front
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 155
of which is a handsome park with shade trees. The village of
Jericho, sometimes called Jericho Corners, is the principal vil-
lage of the town situated on Brown's River on which there are
several good mill privileges, some of which are improved, and
others where manufacturing industries might be greatly extended.
At this village there are now two stores, three blacksmiths'
shops, one harness shop, two house painters, a carriage painter, a
lawyer, a physician, one of the best gristmills in New England,
two saw mills, and one for the manufacture of all sorts of
wooden ware, a large tin shop, and one millinery shop. The vil-
lage has first-class schools run under the town system. The vil-
lage is pleasantly located, the streets are handsome, the buildings
and residences are kept in good repair. There are three churches,
Congregationalist, Baptist and Methodist, — and a school house
hall that can be used for meetings and entertainments. As a place
of residence or for those who desire to engage in agriculture or
manufacturing Jericho is an inviting place.
IN CONCLUSION.
The dangers to which Jericho and its pioneers were a long
time exposed; the invasions by the British army on the north
and ravages and murderous attacks of hostile Indians for many
years; the fact that Joseph Brown and his entire family, as
early as 1780, were captured and taken to Canada and sold to
British officers and held as prisoners for three years, and their
log house and their entire property destroyed; the fact that
the first settlers were compelled to abandon the town for a term
of three years in order to save their lives from attacks of the
British and hostile Indians before they could return to their
lands and homes, and that the most northern post-office, the end
of the postal route, was in Jericho for many years ; the fact
that the town is one of the best watered towns in northern Ver-
mont, well adapted for the raising of grain, for dairying pur-
poses and the manufacture of maple sugar; the fact that in
the early days of the State, the Academy at Jericho Center, for
many years was the only place in northern Vermont where the
young men and women had an opportunity to acquire an edu-
cation in the higher branches of learning; the fact that the
156
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
town has excellent water power where manufacturing can be
profitably built up, and where railroad facilities are excellent, and'
the fact that it has furnished to the State, Martin Chittenden and
Asahel Peck, two of its prominent governors, give the town of
Jericho a prominent and unique place among the towns of the
State.
Chapter VIII.
THE FREEMEN OF JERICHO.
Names of early residents to 1806 and since then of all who
have subscribed to the Freeman's Oath since that date.
Arranged by L. F. Wilbur.
Joseph Brown,
Roderick Messenger,
Alzariah Rood,
James Farnsworth,
Lewis Chapin,
Peter McArther,
Joseph Hall,
Jedadiah Lane,
Abel Castle,
Daniel Stanard,
John Farwell,
Esq. Savage,
Benjamin Farnsworth,
David Stanton,
Jonathan Castle,
John Lee,
Leonard Hodges,
John Russell,
Ichabod Chapin,
Benjamin Bartlett,
Jopena Wilson,
Noah Chittenden,
J. McFarlin,
Timothy Brown,
Ebenezer Bartlett,
Charles Brown,
Nathan Stone,
Reuben Lee,
William Smith,
Daniel Hutchinson,
Nathaniel Bostwick,
Alzariah Lee,
Deac. Mathew Cole,
Ebenezer Martin,
Roger Lane,
Thomas Rood,
Eben Martin,
John Hayward,
John Thompson,
John Lyman,
Martin Chittenden,
Noah Lyman,
Ephraim Hyde,
Adoph Butler, Jr.,
Elon Lee,
John Gloyd,
Jonathan Bixby,
Daniel Bill,
Peter Read,
Nicholus McArther,
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
157
Abraham Hollenbeck,
Thomas Make,
Joslin Morgan,
Nathan Moore,
John Hollenbeck,
Edward Fay,
Jacob Hafford,
Ira Goodrich,
David Stone,
Cleagan Hutchin,
William Rood,
Thomas Whitmarsh.
1793.
Solmon Fay,
Dudley Stone,
Billy Bartlet,
Cyrus Cleveland,
Ira Atkins,
Jonathan Jacobs,
Doctor Miles Richardson,
Thomas Bentley,
William Young.
1795.
P. C. Packard,
John Blanchard,
John Lane,
Solomon Lee,
Timothy Bliss,
Issac Benham,
Paul Kilbum,
Samuel French,
Daniel Bill,
Linus Lee,
David Whitmarsh,
Moses Billings,
Thomas D. Rood,
Corpus Packard,
David Field.
Hylekiah Clark,
Jonathan Shaw,
Aaron Stone,
Nehemiah Prouty, Jr.,
Caleb Nash,
Oliver Whitmarsh,
Stephen Shaw,
Paul Babcock,
Otis Turner,
George Packard, Jr.,
Wait Catlin,
Benj. Shaw,
James Lowrey,
Reuben Rockwell,
Nathan Smith,
EH Barnard,
Thomas Day,
Jesse Gloyd,
David Fish,
John Messenger,
Howard Wade,
John Gloyd,
John Porter,
Levi Nichols,
Elizer Hubbel.
1798.
John Casey,
David T. Stone,
David Hatch,
Wm. Jeffords,
Joseph Hatch,
Eben Bartlett,
Joseph Brown, Jr.,
Ely Reed,
Timothy S. Norton,
James Orr,
James Pease,
Joseph Chipman,
Cassius Pease,
Samuel Nelson,
J. Field,
Ebenezer Reed,
Timothy Bliss, Jr.,
Winthrop Hill.
Samuel Bentley,
Julius Hot,
John Vane,
F. Missy,
Nathaniel Willson,
Daniel BiUs,
Reuben Boswell,
Timothy Bliss, Jr.,
John Lyman,
Silas Billing,
158
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Ebenezer Kingsbury,
Avery Thacher.
1801.
Benj. Burt,
John Bridgeman,
Ebenezer Whitlock,
Thomas Langdon,
Thomas Hermon,
Thomas Harmond,
Jonathan Hoyt,
Nathan Niles,
Ebenezer Morris,
Joseph Townsworth,
James Hawley,
Benajah Tisknor,
Oliver Roude,
Thomas McFarhn,
Timothy Chapman,
Peter Burdick,
Rufus Grossman,
Reuben Butler,
Joseph Wilson, Jr.,
Jeremiah Sinclear,
Samuel Messenger,
Isaac Andrews,
Peter Manwell,
Doctor Ebenezer Hutchins,
Linus Catlin,
Samuel Martin,
Haden Hall,
Norman Shepard,
Andrew Benton,
Caleb Nash, Jr.,
Caleb Nash,
Elnathan H. Brunsmead,
David Coburn,
Billy Bartlet,
Paul Babcock,
Timothy Bliss, Jr.,
Joseph Brown, Jr.,
Timothy Bliss, Jr.,
Elizer Hubbel,
Willard Colton,
Shipley Wells,
Uriah How,
Anal Strong,
James Marsh,
Thomas Day,
Edward Day,
Thomas Lawry,
Joseph Staples,
Alfred Smalley,
Jonathan Evans,
Samuel Brown,
James A. Potter,
Charles How,
Peter Wood,
John Ripley,
Oliver Wilder,
Samuel Day,
Elias Potter,
John Lane,
John Bentley,
Waters Mather,
Abel Skinner,
Jesse Thompson,
Azariah Lee, Jr.,
Timothy Torrey,
Seth Rice,
Peter Shaw,
John P. Smith,
Homer Pelton,
Peter Gloyd,
James Lee,
Peter Manwell.
The following named persons, residents of Jericho, took the
freeman's oath, as indicated, viz. : —
In 1806.
Edward Beals,
Simon Richards,
Luther Whitten,
John Simon,
Joshua Graves,
Salmon Cook,
Erastus D. Hubbell,
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
159
Stephen Lyman,
Seth Messenger,
William P. Richardson,
Timothy Tyler.
In 1807.
Elisha Durham,
Edward Fay, 2nd.,
William Russell,
David Hatch, Jr.,
John Bliss,
Elmer Benson,
Simon Tiifeny,
Benjamin Lucas,
Elisha Durham,
John Allen,
Myron Reed,
Earl Rockwell,
James Fay,
William Russell.
In 1808.
Anson Bostwick,
Berfield E. Howe,
Iras Kilburn,
Vinson Nash,
Asher Hall,
Elmore Hapgood,
Anson Curtis,
John Atchinson,
Orlando Ward,
William M. Moore,
Joel Macomber,
Job. Burn,
Daniel Turrill,
Salmon Adams,
John Benham,
Eben Bartlett,
Henry Field.
In 1809.
Stephen Lane,
Peter Allen,
Timothy Porter,
Levy Chapin,
William Rouse,
Alexander McArthur,
Luther Proiity,
Johnson Brown,
Isaac Ross,
John Ripley,
Samuel Knapp, '
Isaac Chamberlain,
James Steel.
In 1810.
Jared Willson, "
Charles Lowry,
Ashbel Skinner, Jr.
In 1811.
Stephen Bascomb,
Smith Benham,
Olin Rouse,
John Bates, Jr.,
Samuel Wells,
Zebedee Packard,
Harvey Field,
Pliny Bliss.
In 1812.
Daniel Lyman,
Joseph Wells,
Levy Lane,
James Skinner,
Chester Bills,
Jasper Brown,
David Hutchinson,
Benjamin Gline,
William Church,
Henry Vandoir,
Samuel Quincy,
Jonathan Cross,
Silas Benham,
Horace Andrus,
Giles Dudley,
Martin Root,
EUjah Fish,
Joseph Copeland.
William Proctor,
Thos. Chittenden,
Frederick Hepburn.
In 1813.
Tillison Hapgood,
Warren Ford,
Azariah Rood,
Nathaniel Joy,
Nathan Smith,
160
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Joseph G. Phillips,
Amos Hamblin,
Parker Thimp,
Roswell Bates,
William M. Sterns,
Milton Brown,
WiUiam E. Dredge,
Benj. Barron,
Jabez I. Warner,
Jabez Warner,
Orange Butler,
Henry Laflin,
Porter Howe,
Joel Williams,
Rufus Billings,
John Otis,
Samuel Chatterton.
In 1814.
Philander Benham,
Austin Field,
Noah Lyman, Jr.,
Jacob Jones,
Laban Joiner,
John Lowry,
Azariah Rouse,
Daniel Douglass,
John Baxter,
Asa Baxter,
Simeon Lyman,
Marcus Shaw,
Julius Bliss,
Harmon Howe,
John Barrett,
Nathaniel Clapp,
John May.
In 1815.
Miron Chapin,
Franklin Spencer,
Joseph Joiner,
James Rood,
John Garfield,
Luman French,
Milton Ford,
Heman Rood,
Hiram Stone,
David Skinner,
Nathan Hoskins, Jr.,
John Moore,
tiarry Fassett,
Gaites Atkins,
Thomas Dudley,
Henry Vadakim,
Stephen Fish,
Joseph Titreau.
In 1816.
Lemuel Blackman,
Elias Bartlet,
Luther Brown,
Nathan Fay, Jr.,
Oliver Wilder, Jr.,
Ariel Squires,
William Smith, Jr.,
Ephraim Hyde, Jr.,
John Scales.
In 1817.
Truman Brown,
Lyman Field,
Orpheus Thomson,
Harvey Lyman,
John Oakes,
Jonathan Torrey, Jr.,
Sewell Spaulding,
James Daget,
Joseph Willet.
In 1818.
John Bartlet,
Charles Marston,
John Clapp,
Justin Gloyd,
Shelly Bentley,
Jonathan R. Joiner,
HoUan Lincoln,
Daniel Brown,
Abijah Whitton,
Timothy Howe,
Benj. F. HoUenbeck,
Zenas Nash,
Levi Rood,
Ezra Church,
William Reed,
Jonathan Shaw,
John Orr,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
161
Harvey Wilder,
Aaron Nichols,
Harry Hoskins,
John Smith.
In 1819.
Thomas D. Rood, Jr.,
Edward F. Hutchings,
Lucius Barney,
John Delaware,
Erastus Field,
Joseph Brown, Jr.,
Elisha Lyman,
Milo Messinger,
Sipious L. Hefflon.
In 1820.
John Thompson, 2nd.,
John Lyman,
Henry Stephens,
Azariah Lee,
Zalmon Bentley, «
Hosea Spaulding,
Horace Pease,
Joseph Rutter,
Harry Gloyd.
In 1821.
Harvey Stone,
Alonson Dixon,
Edward McGee,
Timothy Bliss, Jr.,
Simeon Pease,
Lyman Davis,
Orlin Rood,
Daniel Shaw, 2nd.,
William Leet,
John Westover,
Thomas C. Barney.
In 1822.
Moses L. Colton,
Samuel Day, 2nd.|
Thomas I. Hutchings,
Elon Howe,
George W. Renslow,
Milton Lincoln,
Fletcher W. Joiner,
James Lowry,
Aaron Brownell,
David Glines,
F. A. Shaw.
In 1823.
Benj. Hatch,
Jason Monroe,
Rural Thompson,
Harvey Ford,
William C. Grimes,
George Lillie,
James Hunt,
Martin C. Barney,
Harvey Booth,
Alexander Hamilton,
Harvey Orr,
Charles Campbell,
Horace Bliss,
Horatio G. Lane,
A. B. Bentley,
Albert Lee,
Orwell Shaw,
WilUam W. Cilley,
Ariel Blodget,
Lyman H. Potter,
Hyman J. Martin,
Bela Brown,
Major Lamphere.
In 1824.
Henry Oakes,
John Chambers,
Lyman Bentley,
Joseph McNall,
Martin C. Bostwick,
Solomon Wood,
Isaac Smith,
Gordon Blakely,
Martin Mead, Jr.-,
Lewis Lamphier,
Horace Babcock,
Elizah M. Morse, Jr.,
Joel Rood, •
Samuel Clough.
In 1825.
Harmon B. Potter,
Spencer Cilley,
Alva Blodget,
Charles Hubbell,
162
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
Jamin Hamilton,
Martin Bartlet,
Solomon Packard,
Nahum Whitmarsh,
William W. Winchel,
Lewis Bradford,
James G. Young,
Levi Packard.
In 1826.
Nathan P. Spaulding,
Roswell Lillie,
Samuel Lee,
Appleton Blakely,
Rufus Parker,
Lucian Bliss,
Curtis Moss,
Zina Brown,
Stephen Hunt,
Augustus Dowe,
Joseph Packard,
Oliver Whitmarsh,
Jedediah Griffin,
Hiram Rood,
Lewis Rood,
Hoyt Bostwick,
Hosea Ballon,
Thomas Mills,
Selah Babcock,
John B. Briant,
Daniel Hale,
Aaron Dowe.
In 1827.
Calvin Hale,
Benj. Freeman,
William S. Douglass,
Eber D. Hatch,
Levi C. Shaw,
Alva Pease,
Jarvis Colgrove,
Andrew Warner,
Joseph Butts,
Ira S. Abbott,
Orlan Porter,
Chauncey Chapin,
Hosea Joy,
John Lee, Jr.,
Nahum Bradford,
Richard Cilley,
Asa Noice,
Perkins Fairfield,
Thomas Floid,
George L. Glines,
Augustus Lee, 2nd.,
Levi S. Lane,
Daniel Colton, Jr.,
Orange B. Reed,
John Ryan,
John Glines,
Russell French,
Warren Hall.
In 1828.
Henry Marsh,
Samuel Bartlett,
William Benson,
Truman C. Lane,
Rodney Thompson,
George Woodward,
Elon Hall,
Smith B. Hatch,
George Oakes,
David Fish, Jr.,
Hiram Day,
Ambrose Bliss,
Daniel Nash,
Benjamin Glines, Jr.,
Jasper Griffin, Jr.,
Jonathan Fades,
Reuben Lee, Jr.,
James Livingston,
Simeon Bicknell,
Julius Babcock,
Eben Lee, Jr.,
Isaac C. Bostwick,
Marshall Beals.
In 1829.
Giles Day,
Edward P. Fay,
Albert Butts,
John Hunt,
Barney Fairfield,
Wills Blodget,
Francis B. Vaughn,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
163
Reuben Rockwell,
John McAndlass,
Oliver Day,
Alonzo Lee,
Eliphalet Bean,
Otis H. Knights.
In 1830.
Vinson Nash,
Benj. F. Lillie,
William E. Bartlett,
Jeremiah G. Lane,
Roswell C. Crossett,
Norman Wood,
Thomas Goodhue, Jr.,
Zachariah Field,
Lucien S. Blodgett,
William Oakes,
Calvin Marsh.
In 1831.
Albert Lowry,
Dewey Pierce,
John Delaware,
Albert Cilley,
Nathan Richardson,
George W. Hart,
Austin Norton,
Solomon Lee, Jr.,
Eli Douglass,
Orange Parker,
Leonard Bicknell,
Cyrus Packard,
Allen Willis,
Mathew Barney,
Harvey Hatch,
Daniel Martin.
In 1832.
William S. Hitchcock,
Elijah B. Reed,
Harrison Webster,
Joel Stevens,
William Tower,
Chittenden Galusha,
Charles D. F. Johnson,
Ezra Ransom,
Henry Blackman,
C. R. Bigsby,
Abijah Wheelock, Jr.,
Watrous Thompson,
A. B. Staunton,
Lyman Stimson,
Van Rensalier Foster,
Alvin Chase,
Harris Hoyt,
Stephen Dudley.
In 1833.
Moses Peck,
Maseorie B. Johnson,
William Lee,
Ebenezer Benson, Jr.,
David H. Babcock,
Peter W. Shaw,
Marcus Messenger.
In 1834.
Henry Lane,
Isaac L. Benham,
Silas R. Day,
Wilham L. Hall,
Ezra Chamberlain, Jr.,
Robinson S. Blodgett,
Thomas Howe,
Harry Goodell,
Loomis Galusha,
Denison Monroe,
Arthur L. Castle,
Newton Rood,
James Hunt,
John Turrell,
Edward C. S. Parker,
Sumner Rockwood,
Chester Caswell,
Daniel P. Lee,
Ezekiel Bailey,
Milo Foster,
Giles Howe.
In 1836.
Daniel Pomeroy,
Edwin Hays,
Rufus Brown,
Joseph Goodhue,
Ansel Nash,
Philander S. Prior,
Albert Gleason,
164
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Samuel H. Byington,
Solon B. Rawson,
Andrew J. Cilley,
Heman Gibbs,
Edwin Blackman.
In 1837.
Osmond Castle,
William H. Kenniston,
Lyman C. Cotton,
Cassius Douglass,
Samuel B. Bostwick,
Austin Field,
James B. Orr,
Roswell Tarbox.
In 1838.
Horace Reed,
Solomon Barney,
Henry Whitten,
Zanthy Parker,
Everet W. Johnson,
David Story,
Moses Edwards,
Milo Douglass,
Dennis Rood,
Orrin Rawson,
James T. Foster.
In 1839.
Charles E. Allen,
John Goodhue,
Timothy Abbott, Jr.
In 1840.
Samuel Kingsbury,
Truman Stebbins,
Wilkins Rockwood,
Henry Benham,
Jesse Thomson, Jr.,
George W. Harris,
James J. Stevens,
Robert McLaren,
Wells Blackman,
Henry G. Gibbs,
William R. Rouss,
James S. Blackman,
John Lane,
John Messenger,
David Benson,
Lucius L. Lane,
Albert Smith,
Salmon Fay.
In 1841.
Selem Blackman,
Isaac H. Blodgett,
Lewis Marsh,
Martin Richardson,
Hiram F. Chamberlain,
George Butler,
Lyman C. Hall,
George Downing,
John T. Pratt,
Perkins Edwards,
Charles H. Lyman,
Freeman Martin,
Hervey M. Stimson.
In 1842.
Haswell Church,
Henry Douglass,
Leet A. Bishop,
Ezra Elliott,
Hiram Dixon,
Smiley Thomson,
Rollin M. Galusha,
Francis Goodhue, Jr.,
Milton Martin,
Miles Ransom.
In 1843.
Jared S. Deming,
Daniel Hobart,
Daniel U. Johnson,
Luther S. Prouty,
Henry W. Butler,
Edwin R. Crane,
George P. Howe,
Newell Marsh.
In 1844.
Milo H. Chapin,
Newell Stone,
John W. Blackman,
Ziby Pixley,
Edward Day,
Eleazer Martin,
Samuel Brown,
Sylvester Lee,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
166
Samuel Webster,
Orlin Rood,
William Benham,
Julius Ransom,
Edgar A. Barney,
Francis W. Crane,
Harrison Perrigo,
Dennison Bliss,
Homer Rawson.
In 1845.
George H. Duncan,
Joel B. Bartlett,
Lyman Reed.
In 1846.
Henry Ware,
Edwin Pratt,
Emerson Field,
Lemuel J. Bliss.
In 1847.
Kineson S. Ransom,
Orson Robbins,
Charles Benway,
Albert Chapin,
Rollin Townsend,
James Russell.
In 1848.
George Wadsworth,
James Hoyt Orr,
Gains Pease, 2nd.,
Munroe Bates,
Lewis Batties,
Horatio E. Hawley,
Elon H. Prouty,
John Danvers,
Ambrose ,C. Stone,
Oscar Gibbs.
In 1849.
George Wilder,
David N. Shaw,
Rollin M. Clapp,
Gordon Smith,
Luther Haskin.
In 1850.
Abner James Loveland,
Albert O. Humphrey,
Herbert Chapin,
12
Asa Piatt,
Royal J. Thomson,
William Totten,
Abram B. Stroud,
John L. Johnson,
Edward Pease.
In 185L
Lewis Rodo,
George F. Chapin,
Rollin Lincoln,
George Stiles,
Otis B. Church,
Dennis Day,
Chesman Johnson,
George F. Martin,
Clark Ford,
George Booth,
Newell Blakely.
In 1852.
John D. Kingsbury,
Edwin Bentley,
Nelson Wood,
Ira L. Bicknell,
Homer Lyman Bartlett.
In 1853.
Hira A. Percival,
Rodney Barney,
Hawley Booth,
Lucius Blodgett,
Edward Field,
Norman Ford,
Jesse Gloyd,
Smith Pease,
John C. Bradley,
Chesmor Johnson.
In 1855.
Orrin Stimson,
Thomas G. Richardson,
Harvey S. Blakely,
William Trumbull Lee,
Wells Lee,
Truman B. Barney.
In 1856.
Edwin Howe,
Harlow Percival,
William Mills,
166
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Adrian S. Lee.
In 1857.
George H. Vancor,
John H. Johnson,
John A. Bowman,
Lyman Bartlett.
In 1858.
Orrison H. Shaw,
Asa Church.
In 1859.
William E. Benson,
Miron Lyman,
Marcus Dunlop,
Chauncey Smith,
L. H. Bostwick,
Charles C. Cilley,
Robert White.
In 1860.
Daniel Buxton,
B. S. Smith,
Parker Balch,
E. C. Hilton,
N. Bissonette,
John Lavelle.
In 1861.
Loren Chamberlain,
Wilson Whitmarsh,
Erastus Powell.
In 1862.
Oscar Loomis,
S. J. Haskins,
Lysander Jackson,
Samuel York,
Charles M. Crane,
Chauncey Church.
In 1863.
Asa I. Powell,
Dennison Parker,
Wallace B. Fish,
Thomas H. Buxton,
Luther M. Howe,
Philemon Smith,
Dustin Bicknell,
David R. Bigelow,
Osgood M. Whipple,
Andrew J. Hale,'
Henry M. Brown,
Edward S. Whitcomb.
In 1865.
Abel Hoskins,
Justin B. Willard,
Allen Bicknell,
Caleb Nash,
Charles Wright,
George H. Bliss,
Buel H. Day.
In 1866.
George Sherman,
James H. Safford,
Alexander H. Miller,
James Keefe,
Eli N. Peck,
Wilson R. Curtis,
Birney W. Hilton,
George Dunbar,
Henry W. Thomson.
In 1867.
Tillman C. Wright,
Henry J. Vancor,
William J. Gibson,
George D. Thomson,
A. G. Barney.
In 1868.
E. T. Dusseau,
Vinson K. Nash,
Orlando Joy,
Seth W. Packard,
H. H. Douglass,
Frank F. Gomo.
In 1869.
Byron Day,
James Kennedy,
HoUis Smith,
Dennis E. Rood,
Simeon Bullock,
Fayette Balch,
E. A. Bliss,
Daniel Fuller,
Oliver G. Story,
Hiram E. Allen.
In 1870.
RoUin Douglass,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
167
John Benham,
' Morton W. Booth,
Michael Carroll.
In 1872.
Hoyt H. Davis,
Irving R. Gleason,
Joseph Steams,
J. H. Douglass,
Franklin N. Stearns,
W. Scott Nay,
Harmon G. Howe,
Henry Smith,
Lewis Gauvin,
Dorman Stockwell,
J. P. Clary,
Buel White,
Frank Colgrove,
Henry Desseau.
In 1874.
Franklin P. Percival,
Frederick Hodges,
George Packard,
George Paradee,
John W. Pierce,
Norris S. Ransom,
Robert Field,
Fred Smith,
John Benjamin.
In 1876.
J. H. Russell,
M. F. Bulger,
Charles E. Blood,
Frank C. Young,
Charles F. Bixby,
George H. White,
Fred E. Chambers,
John A. Smith,
Giles W. Stimson,
Eben L. Graham,
L. M. Johnson,
John Carroll,
K. C. Butler,
John Morey,
Charles LeCIair,
John Nash,
Frank A. Stiles.
In 1878.
Andrew C. Berry,
William S. Powell,
Henry Murdock,
W. C. Stevens,
Burke Brown,
Lucian H. Chapin,
Charles M. Berry,
Chauncey H. Hayden,
Charles Eastman,
Fred S. Tomlinson,
Alvin Graham.
In 1880.
John Casey,
C. F. Nealy,
H. D. Peters,
E. Frank Lane,
Lewis Roscoe,
J. W. Somers,
Frank J. Chambers,
Eli Stone,
Frank S. Ransom,
E. E. Thompson,
H. H. Howe,
G. L. Curtis,
G. E. Humphrey,
James McClaflin,
C. S. Field,
Carlos Young,
Charles Barney,
James Nelson,
Ebert Lane,
G. W. Bass,
Henry Benwore,
FranicUn S. Jackson,
Charles Douglass.
In 1882.
Charles W. Powell,
Louis F. Paradee,
George W. Lucia,
William Morton,
Joseph Shiner,
J. D. Farrell,
John Hall,
Edward Sweeney,
Justin H. Gloyd,
168
HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT.
Ezra Shiner,
Peter Plant,
Edward Hawley,
Frank A. Castle,
Nelson Guyette,
Clinton C. Abbott,
Fred Hatch.
In 1883.
Moses Bolger.
In 1884.
George Gauvin,
Homer Kinney,
Henry G. Stiles,
W. C. Field,
Andrew Gearin,
Bert S. Booth,
W. A. Tarbox,
A. W. Waters,
E. C. Myers,
Will Wood,
C. B. Tyler,
Frank E. Kinney,
A. D. Bradford,
Charles Bentley,
Lewis Ladue,
A. C. Lowry,
J. T. Vamey,
F. Guyette,
Fred E. Wilson,
Eugene B. Jordan.
In 1886.
W. N. Pierce,
H. N. Percival,
Martin Mead,
Warren Fellows,
S. S. Thomson,
George Sherman,
H. W. Packard,
A. D. Bradford,
George W. Tubbs,
John Ryan,
Judson Hodges,
George Costello,
William Woodruff,
F. C. Williams,
W. M. Bradford,
E. B. Williams,
William Flynn,
William Boilson,
Sanford Glidden,
Waldo Smith,
John Costello,
Eli Paradee,
James Sweeney,
George Willard,
Charles Barney,
Mortimer Whitney,
George Johnson,
James Tobin,
Willie L. Marsh,
Frank Pratt,
Fred Pratt,
Luther M. Stevens,
W. A. Bentley,
F. M. Nash.
In 1888.
W. M. Buxton,
Orvis Rowland,
W. M. McGovem,
Peter S. McGibbon,
R. C. Gloyd,
Hoyt O. Kinney,
Burt J. Sherman,
George H. Booth,
George W. Gearing,
L. E. Taylor,
Don C. Hawley,
Judson E. Fleming,
Charles A. Williams,
Edward E. Story,
Louis Morrow,
David Parizo,
B. C. Day,
H. T. Barnard,
Fred Guyette,
Will E. Prior.
In 1890.
A. C. Johnson,
James K. Morse,
Theodore Tubbs,
Mortimer Whitney,
Joshua Hamilton,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
169
Charles Jackson,
H. E. Bates,
Louis Pratt,
Edmund Guyette,
Luke Bolger,
David Bissonette,
Clement G. Austin.
In 1892.
Edward Martin,
Ira Austin,
H. Brigham,
Geo. Cunningham,
John Cabana,
W. C. Jackson,
Arthur Prue,
Frank W. Woods.
In 1894.
Leander Savoie,
William Flynn,
G. Hutchinson,
Elbridge Nealy,
Wesley Church,
John Tarbox,
L. D. Moulton,
E. C. Packard,
B. C. Hawley,
Fred Buxton,
Frank Flynn,
Clarence Pratt,
Leroy Barber,
Curtis Nash,
Ernest Gauvin,
E. D. Herrick,
Arthur J. Bumor,
C. T. Wright,
George Pecor,
Valorus Howland.
In 1896.
E. T. Scott,
I. F. Bennett,
Frank L. Kidder,
Hiram J. Curry,
Sidney J. Barber, Jr.,
F. A. Wright,
Clifton A. Pease,
I. C. Stone,
George H. Kidder,
James J. Jackson,
Albert I. Gleason,
W. W. Buzzell,
E. S. Ransom,
G. W. Labardee,
William SchilUiammer,
C. T. Barney,
Henry L. Smith,
Hiram Tromblay,
Chauncey Bicknell,
Walter J. Howland,
William J. Nichols,
Lewis O. Chapin.
In 1897.
Michael Hearin.
1898.
Henry W. Curry,
Albert Byington,
Glenn L. Booth,
James P. McLaughlin,
William Monell,
Samuel W. Hoyt,
Elmer Harriman,
Dennis H. Eldredge,
Thomas Adrien,
Roma H. May,
Arthur E. Sherman,
John Ammon,
Henry W. Curry,
Fred W. Ploof,
Edgar S. Hoyt,
Edmond L. Plant,
John B. Hardy,
Isadore Panther,
Newton T. Isham,
Charles J. Guyette,
Stephen E. Curtis,
James Carroll,
George L. Lyon,
Haswell G. Brown,
Albert P. Byington,
Patrick H. Flynn,
Joseph Larrabee,
Ebenezer White,
170
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Lawrence Aegan,
Henry A. Blood.
In 1900.
Ralph M. Church,
Bert Ballard,
Augustus J. Mattimore,
James H. Carroll,
W. Scott Fuller,
Lynn D. Moulton,
Palmer J. Davis,
Edward M. Cady,
Lloyd Grames,
Clark Streeter,
R. Lee Howe,
Charles B. Tierney,
Barney J. Mattimore,
Fred J. Foster,
Hubert Morom,
William V. N. Ring,
William D. Chesmore,
John Keefe,
Irving Ballard,
Frank G. Pease,
Harlan P. Hall,
Emery J. Streeter,
E. Harley Barber,
Howard Streeter,
Chas. E. Lee,
J. W. Prior,
Albert McLaughlin.
In 190L
Edward W. Hoskins,
George A. Hall,
Archie Perrigo.
In 1902. ,
F. L. Giddings,
J. A. Clerkin,
Orin N. Bean,
Carlton E. Nay,
Lynn A. Brown,
Ray M. Brown,
Harry D. Hopkins,
J. P. Carroll,
Eli W. Ross,
H. E. Godfrey,
Park H. Brown,
Amos N. Warner,
Marshall H. Bushey,
Wm. Woodruff,
Wm. Francis.
In 1903.
W. T. Bean,
J. G. Shaw,
Zeph. Hapgood,
George Bean.
In 1904.
John E. McGinnis,
Clarence C. Covey, •
O. E. Barnard,
M. A. Buzzell,
Wesley J. Cochran,
Orson Brown,
Clement E. Tomlin,
Ray Gleason,
Arthur E. Brown,
Joseph E. Bleau,
Wayne Nealy,
Leslie Cook,
H. E. Ayres,
Arthur E. Meyette,
F. J. Ladeau,
H. G. Martin,
G. W. Bowman,
Kiel Myers,
Allen Williams.
In 1906.
Alfred P. Cayo,
Harry E. Lawrence,
H. T. Chase,
Harry Parker,
Arthur H. Packard,
Arthur H. McLaughlin,
Thomas H. Moran,
Clarence B. Shiner,
E. J. Gregory,
Claude E. Blodgett,
George R. Blood,
Lewis Ploof,
Leonard Mitchell,
Edmond H. Harrian,
Lynn A. Brown,
Gould J. Wilbur,
HISTORY OF JERiICHO, VERMONT.
171
Alfred P. Gkjodell,
James E. Killpeck.
In 1908.
Guy C. Murdock,
Tuifel Bostwick, Sr.,
Clyde W. Wilder,
Lee Whittemore,
H. C. Lombard,
Alric Bentley,
George H. Hutchinson,
Edward A. Shiner,
Charles F. Moran,
Edward Paradee,
George Ring.
In 1910.
Theodore B. Williams,
Dennis B. Terrill,
Howard N. Haylett,
Frank B. Brown,
Harry R. Allen,
Harry McLaughlin.
In 1911.
Ernest H. Gomo,
Hovey Jordan,
Homer Brown,
Zeb. Deforge.
In 1912.
Buel H. Day,
John Spellman,
Joseph Laforge,
John R. Story,
Grover C. Fuller,
Patrick L. Corvan,
Merritt O. Eddy,
Henry H. Dickinson,
Henry L. Murdock,
Bailey Brown,
John Deforge,
Peter J. Pratt,
Carl Schillhammer, Jr.,
Robert O. Kenyon,
John A. McKeefe,
William F. Yantz,
Raymond F. White,
H. L. Terrill,
E. T. Maloney,
Frank S. Jackson,
Fred S. Safford,
William V. N. Ring,
Sheldon E. Hill.
In 1913.
Chester H. White.
In 1914.
Wilfred Pratt,
Lester D. Packard,
Arthur W. Harris,
Claude T. Gtaves,
Arthur T. Bentley,
Perley J. King,
Earl C. Cross,
Howard C. Rochelle,
C. Tyler,
C. Harold Hayden,
Leroy ICimball,
Robert M. Fuller.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 173
PART FOURTH.
THE CHURCHES OF THE TOWN.
Edited by Rev. S. H. Barnum.
Chapter I.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
(Based mainly upon the Church records.)
Organisation and Earliest History. — The First Baptist
Church of Jericho was organized at Essex, as the following
minute shows : "Be it remembered that at a church meeting held
at the house of Deacon Nathaniel Blood in Essex on the 21st day
of April, 1817, we as a branch of the Baptist Church in Essex
were set off and organized a church at Jerico." The date is not
given of the first meeting in Jericho, but its minutes are of in-
terest: "Agreeable to Appointment we met at the schoolhouse in
Jerico.
1. Attended to prayer.
2. Chose Br. Nahum Joyner, moderator.
3. Chose Br. Joel Castle, clerk.
4. voted to Attend Covenant meetings the first Saturdays in
Each month.
5. voted to Attend Church meetings once in two months
on thursday.
6. Adjourned to the second thursday in June at twelve
o'clock.
Closed by prayer."
These meetings were held for some years at the school house
or at private houses, and it was early voted that Brethren N. Joy-
ner, C. Norton and J. Castle "stand as those who shall take the
lead of meetings." In the very first year they began to visit and
labor with fellow members who were in some way censurable,
and many a letter of admonition, followed either by the recov-
174 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
ery of the offender or his exclusion, was referred to as the years
went on. April 6, 1819, a committee, treasurer, and collector
for the ensuing year were chosen, and a few weeks later it was
voted "to make a trial to get subscriptions enough to hire preach-
ing half the time if possible." Near the end of the year it was
voted "to add seventeen dollars to make up $75.00 to Elder T.
Ravlin for preaching two years past." It appears that Thomas
Ravlin was licensed to preach in 1814, by the Hinesburg Church
and was ordained while pastor at Essex Center. It may be con-
jectured that while at Essex he supplied more or less at Jericho.
Apparently from 1819 to 1823 there was no regular preaching,
but on Feb. 27, 1823, it was voted to have preaching the ensumg
year, and on March 25 to hire Brother Sabins to preach, if pos-
sible, one-quarter of the time.
Elders Culver and Tuttle appear as supplies. Brother Hast-
ings preached about a year, followed by Joel P. Hayford, who
was to have $200. Elder Kimball, who served from March, 1826,
for a year, was to receive $300, each meinber being taxed ac-
cording to his list. The names of Elder Timothy Spaulding and
Elder Moses Cheney appear, and they may have preached awhile,
but from 1819 up to 1829 no one seems to have served more than
a year. From 1823 meetings were held half the time at the
school house or near the Corners, and half the time in the south
part of the town, and in Jan., 1825, it was voted to have preach-
ing half the time at the Corners and the other half at the center
cf the town at the new meeting house. Later meetings were also
held at the Joy school house and at Bolton. It is to be noted that
in 1825, Truman Galusha, who had come from Shaftsbury, and
Joel Castle were elected deacons.
Pastorate of Elder Graves. — ^An era of prosperity came to the
church during the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Graves, who began in
1829 and stayed four years. The details of his salary, which were
altered three or four times, were at one time that he should re-
ceive $250 in grain and produce, $50 in cash, house rent, fuel, hay
and pasturing for one horse and a cow. The salary was raised by
assessment upon the grand list. This was a revival period, and
the record of baptisms was 4 in 1830, 64 in 1831, 18 in 1832. A
creed had been adopted at the beginning of the history of the
Church, but at this time a more elaborate and detailed one was
Rev. J. K. WiLi.iAirs.
Rev. Hiram C. Estes.
Rev. Austin Hazen.
Rev. Simeon Pabmalee
OF Riverside Memory.
|1h
P
K
O
<
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 175
substituted. Another quite changed superseded this in 1843.
The Brick Meeting House at the Corners, was occupied alter-
nately from 1826 to 1858 by the Baptist and Congregationalists.
In the time of the masonry excitement in 1831, a resolution was
passed denying any fellowship with speculative free masonry.
Pastorates from 1833 to 1859.— Rev. Timothy Spaulding,
who was probably here before, succeeded Elder Graves in 1833,
and was to receive $350, one-third in cash, and parsonage. He
is spoken of as a man of superior ability and of zeal. He re-
mained two years, and later going West succumbed to the hard-
ships of work in the new country. He was followed by Isaiah
Huntley, 1837-1842. In one year of his pastorate, 1839, 47 were
baptized. Elder H. D. Hodge preached from 1842 to 1845.
Ffeb. 16, 1843, a Baptist Church was organized in West Bolton,
to which the Jericho Church gave 39 members, whose names are
given upon the records. It was called the Second Baptist Church
of Jericho. It is stated that the utmost harmony and unity
of feeling prevailed throughout the whole proceeding, and those
brothers and sisters who were set off were bidden a hearty God-
speed in their labor of love. The next pastor was Myron N.
Steams, 1845-1847, . followed for several months by Peter Chase
of unusual linguistic ability, S. G. Abbott, 1850-1852 and Rufus
Smith, 1852-1856. J. H. Drummond supplied in 1857, and N.
P. Foster, though credited to Burlington Baptist Church in
1858, officiated at baptisms here in that year. During this pe-
riod strong anti-slavery resolutions presented by Elder H. D.
Hodge were spread upon the records. Although considerable
numbers had been added to the church, it was often difficult to
meet the expense of a salary of $300 to $400, and entries similar
to the following appear: "After prayer proceeded to examine
the subscription papers and found a delinquency. Voted that the
committee make a further effort to fill out the subscription and
make report one week from next Saturday." And then they
courageously vote to have preaching the ensuing year.
The Baptist Meeting House. — Steps were taken at a meeting
held Dec. 12, 1857, to buy out the interest of the Congregational
Church in the brick meeting house or to sell their own, or, failing
in either, to build and to unanimously sustain each other in any
course of measures required to secure a house of worship. The
176 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
result was that a committee consisting of Deacon T. Galusha, A.
Cilley, T. C. Galusha, L. B. Howe and O. Rood, were appointed
to provide for and superintend the building of a Baptist meeting
house and parsonage, to raise the funds and find an eligible site.
Subscriptions footing up $2,742.75 were secured. A lot was
bought of T. Galusha for $400 and a contract made with B. W.
Haynes to build a meeting house for $2,245, and a parsonage for
$1',051.50, total $3,296.50. This was paid in full. After the
completion of the church the pews were appraised at $2,850, an
equivalent of the expense of the whole lot of land and the meet-
ing house as completed and furnished. The sale of the slips
brought $2,971.75 or $121.75 more than the appraisal. A num-
ber of the pews were purchased by Truman Galusha, who had ad-
vanced money to complete the necessary payments, and after his
sudden death a new subscription was requisite of $916.21 to pay
his estate, an undertaking which was successfully accomplished.
The church was dedicated Jan. 6, 1859, the sermon being
preached by Rev. N. P. Foster of Burlington. From this time
on regular services were held in their own church every Sabbath.
Pastorates since 1859. — Rev. James Andem was pastor 1859-
1861, followed by Hiram C. Estes, June, 1862-Aug., 1872. Mr.
Estes' service was the longest in the history of the church. He
was called at $350 and parsonage but declined. On being asked
to name his terms he requested $400 with the prospect of an
increase according as the church might be able to give it. The
church agreed, two years later raised the salary to $600, and in
the years 1868 and 1869 reported a surplus in the treasury. Dur-
ing this pastorate the church roll was revised. One hundred and
thirty-three names were found upon the list, but 52 of these
were of members dismissed, united with other churches without
letters, deceased or of unknown residence, leaving 81 who were
bona fide members. The names of all are given upon the records.
Another incident of this pastorate was that David F. Estes, a son
of the pastor, was licensed to preach by the church.
Rev. Evan Lewis was here about a year ; Rev. Ahira Jones,
1874-1880, during whose time extensive repairs were made upon
the church and parsonage; Rev. De Forrest Safford, 1881-1884,
the church then being yoked with the one at Bolton, and Rev.
Irving W. Coombs, 1885-1886, the yoking being made with Essex
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 177
instead of Bolton, an arrangement which continued for a number
of years.
Brother Richard Bradshaw, 1889-1890, was ordained while
here. Rev. A. N. Woodruff, 1890-1894, baptized twelve on one
Sabbath following revival meetings.- A prayer meeting room
and a baptistery were constructed and furnaces placed in the base-
ment in 1891. Mr. Woodruff, who was for about fifty years a
Baptist minister, died in Burlington in Sept., 1914, at the age of
76. During the pastorate of Rev. J. T. Buzzell, 1894-1901, all
the church property was deeded to the Vermont Baptist
Convention and then deeded back with reversionary right.
Twenty-three were baptized in 1896. Other incidents of
this pastorate were the starting of a Home Department
class, the reception of a legacy of $500 from the estate of
Mrs. Dodge, the installation of a new church organ, and the ad-
dition of a veranda to the parsonage. It was said of the Bible
School at one annual meeting : "We have as fine a corps of teach-
ers as can be found in any school of the same size." There were
then 77 names on the roll. Meanwhile eleven members moved
away, among them some of the best workers. Rev. O. N. Bean,
1901-1904, and G. W. Campbell, 1904-1906, preached during a
part of their engagements also at West Bolton. Mr. Campbell
was ordained here. Rev. Frederic Emerson served 1906-1909.
The work went efficiently and harmoniously during these years.
It was then decided to unite with Essex on a basis of $700 and
parsonage from the two churches, the Jericho church having been
obliged since 1901 to receive state aid. Rev. N. W. Wolcott was
pastor of the two churches from 1910 to 1912, and Rev. Charles
A. Nutting came in April, 1912. He was born at Fitchburg,
Mass., in 1869, graduated from Mt. Hermon school, in 1901 from
Hiram College, from which also he received the degree of M. A.,
and in 1904 from Rochester Theological Seminary. He has
held pastorates in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
During his pastorate a piano was purchased for the church and
the baptistery improved. The church has no debt and pays
promptly its share of the $750 salary. Mr. Nutting closed his
work here Jan. 31, 1915. Rev. Irving E. Usher began work here
Aug. 1, 1915. Mr. Usher was b. in North Uxbridge, Mass., in
1859, graduated from Worcester Academy and Colgate Univer-
178 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
sity, and has been pastor at Charlestown and McGraw, N. Y.;
Hingham, Mass.; Newport, N. Y. ; Poultney and Bristol, Vt.;
Rupert, Idaho and Tekoa, Wash.
Conclusion. — Among the many faithful members it will not
be invidious to mention three of the church clerks : Enoch Howe,
1830-1836; E. B. Reed, 1836-1874; and W. R. Curtis, 1875-1912.
Deacons were for a considerable time elected for a term of years,
but in 1893 D. E. Rood and in 1894 W. R. Curtis were chosen
for life, and in 1909 W. E. Buxton was elected third deacon.
Losses have been many and the present membership is sixty-one
of whom thirty-seven are resident members. The church prop-
erty is valued at $4,500. The benevolences reported in 1913 were
$68. The greatest prosperity was perhaps in the ten years'
ministry of Rev. Hiram C. Estes, 1862-1872, but the most exten-
sive revivals were in 1831 and 1839 under Elders Graves and
Huntley. There have been periods of serious depression and dur-
ing some years there has been no regular preaching, but the loyal
church is now approaching its centennial anniversary.
This sketch of Dr. Estes is furnished by his son :
Rev. Hiram Cushman Estes, D. D., was born in Bethel, Maine,
July 27, 1823. He was brought up on a farm, but early developed
a love of learning and a passion for books. Like many other
New England youths, he was obliged to depend mainly upon his
own efforts for the means necessary to a course of study, and in
his case as in many others, the fact was demonstrated that a de-
termined will is quite sure to open a way. After leaving the town
school, he prepared for college, working upon the farm portions
of each year, and teaching in winter to meet his expenses. He
entered Waterville College, now Colby University, in 1843, and
was graduated with honor in 1847. He studied theology at Har-
vard Divinity School, and was ordained to the work of the min-
istry at Auburn, Maine, in 1850. For three years, from 1852 to
1855, he was agent for the American Baptist Missionary Union
in the State of Maine ; settled over the church in Trenton, Me.,
from 1855 to 1860; at Leicester, Mass., from 1860 to 1862; at
Jericho from 1862 to 1872 ; over the Baptist Church in Paris, Me,,
from 1873 to 1883; at Winchendon, Mass., from 1883 to 1885;
at Leicester again from 1886 to 1894 ; at Newton Junction, N. H.,
from 1894 to 1897. He died Feb. 4, 1901, after a prolonged
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 179
illness. While at Trenton, he was elected to the Legislature in
1858, and served as chairman of the committee on Education on
the part of the House. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon
him by his Alma Mater in 1872. Dr. Estes was a profound
scholar, a forcible and interesting writer, and whatever he under-
took to do, he did well. His library, which he knew thoroughly,
was one of the largest ever gathered by a country minister in New
England. He wrote and delivered several lectures which have
been highly spoken of by those best qualified to judge. His only
published volume is an essay entitled, "The Christian Doctrine
of the Soul," which appeared in 1873.
A sketch of the Rev. De Forrest Safford, who was pastor
from 1881 to 1884 is available. He was born in Royalton, March
17, 1840, graduated at Watertown, Mass., high school and at-
tended Harvard College two years, when he enlisted in the
Union army. After the war he taught for some years, grad-
uated at Newton Theological Seminary and was ordained at
Kenosha, Wis. His death occurred at Petersboro, N. H., where
he was pastor, in Aug., 1914. He is spoken of as a great student,
an educated and dignified man with a large circle of acquaintances.
He is survived by his second wife, three daughters and four sons.
Chapter H.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF JERICHO, LO-
CATED AT JERICHO CENTER.
Organized March 31, 179L
The centennial celebration of the founding of this church
was held June 17, 1891. A committee to have the general direc-
tion of preparations had been elected the preceding November,
Deacon Isaac C. Stone being chairman. The other members
were Rev. Leonard B. Tenney, pastor ; Deacon M. Hoyt Chapin,
Mr. and Mrs. George M. Stiles, Mrs. Frank H. Cilley, Mrs.
Eugene B. Jordan. This committee labored assiduously to make
the anniversary a success. On the day designated three sessions
were held filled to repletion with good things. Dinner was served
180 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
in the basement of the church to four hundred persons, and sup-
per to about half that number. A valuable pamphlet was after-
ward published containing the addresses delivered, and to this we
must refer readers for a complete record of the proceedings of the
day. We transfer to our pages the paper upon "Church Edifices"
by Hon. Edgar H. Lane of Buriington, and the "Historical Dis-
course" by Rev. Austin Hazen of Richmond, both being es-
sential in order to cover the subject.
CHURCH EDIFICES.
By Edgar H. Lane.
In discharging the duty assigned me by your committee in this
Centennial Anniversary, of giving a description of the church edi-
fices or places of worship here for the past century, I have thought
it might be of interest to go back to the organization of the town,
and give a brief account of the places where public worship was
held before the building of the first meeting house, as it was al-
ways called.
The providing of places for holding public worship until about
1800 and the building of the first meeting house was done by the
town, in town meeting. I cannot better give you an account of
the actions and doings upon the subject, or bring before you those
sturdy, resolute pioneers of a century or more ago, in their efforts
to establish public worship and to build a temple for the worship
of God in their new wilderness home, than by copying, verbatim,
the language of the records made at the time.
At a town meeting held April 14, 1789, it was "voted to
hold meetings of public worship at the usual places viz. : at Dea.
Roods and Capt. Bartletts." This is the first public action of the
town recorded, of voting a place where meetings should be held,
although at a town meeting held November 29, 1786, the year of
the organization of the town, it was "Voted to appoint a com-
mittee for the purpose of providing preaching the ensuing year."
At a legal town meeting held July 10, 1790, it was "Voted
that two-thirds of the time we meet at William Smith's and one-
third of the time at Capt. J. Russell's."
"April 4, 1791, Voted to meet for public worship on the
Sabbath at Wm. Smith's barn for the future."
The Pibst Congeegational Church, Jericho Center.
Interior View.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 181
"Nov. 14, 1791, Voted to meet for public worship at Elon
Lee's the ensuing winter."
April 16, 1792, "Voted that we meet for public worship at
Lewis Chapin's bam the ensuing summer."
At the annual town meeting held March 4, 1793, "Voted to
meet for public worship at Elon Lee's in cold weather, and Wm.
Smith's bam in warm weather for one year from this date."
October 2, 1794, "Voted to meet for public worship at the
school house at the river one-half of the time, the other half at
the school house by Wm. Bartlett's the winter coming."
Nov. 18, 1795, "Voted to meet for public worship at the
dwelling house" — (here the record omits the name.)
Oct. 2, 1794, a town meeting was called for the purpose of
providing for the building of a meeting house, at which it was :
1st. "Voted to build a meeting house."
2nd. Voted that every man write his place for a meeting
house and put it into a hat — Tryed — counted — twenty, by the
burying place, eighteen, the flat between Lewis Chapin's and Wm.
Rood's, one, between Azariah Lee's and Wm. Rood's.
"Chose a committee of five to set a stake for a meeting house,
viz.: Noah Chittenden, John Lyman, Dudley Stone, Jedediah
Lane, Thos. Bentley."
This meeting was then adjourned to Dec. 10, 1794, at which
time "the town's committee reported that they had agreed on a
place on Capt. Bartlett's lot to build a meeting house, Tryed, no
vote, then the flat proposed, Tryed, no vote — ^the burying place
proposed, Tryed, no vote, place by Azariah Lee's Tryed, no vote."
It was then "Voted to choose a committee and they to be
appointed by the County Court to set a meeting house stake.
Amos Brownson of Williston, Samuel Bradley of Essex, Phineas
Loomis of Burlington said committee."
At an adjourned meeting held Jan. 27, 1795, it was
"Voted to choose three men as heads of classes to provide
materials for building. Benj. Bartlett, Roderick Messenger and
Jedediah Lane were chosen."
These classes, as they were termed, were a division of the men
of the town into three companies or bodies, each to be directed
in their labors by their respective heads.
13
182 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
In providing the materials for this first meeting house, to
which this refers, the men of the town went into the forest which
was all around them and cut the trees, hewing such as were suit-
able for the frame and getting to the saw-mill such as were to be
used for finishing; and this division into classes, as they were
called, was for more efficient and organized work.
It is commonly understood that the place selected by the
committee appointed by the County Court for the location of the
meeting house was the center of the common or green, and so it
proved to be; but the meeting house stake set by that committee
located the common, around which this little village is built, for
in town meeting June 3, 1795, it was "Voted that the town pro-
"cure four acres of land for a green around the meeting house
"stake. Chose Noah Chittenden, Benj. Bartlett and Thos. D.
"Rood a committee to lay out the land for a meeting house green.
"Voted that the three heads of classes see to chopping and
"clearing off the land for the public green the present summer,
"equally one-third each."
The fact that there was no common or green until after the
setting of that stake explains the difference of opinion as to the
location of the meeting house, as shown by the records which I
have read. In town meeting November 18, 1795 —
"Voted to build a meeting house by selling the pews at pub-
"lic vendue at the next adjourned town meeting.
"Voted to build 50 X 54 feet.
"Voted to choose a committee to number the pews and to
sell the same at public vendue."
This meeting adjourned to December 9, 1795, when it was,
in the language of the records,
"Voted to sell the pews, first bid, to be first pick, and so
"on and to pick every one his bid on the plan now on the spot.
"Chose Noah Chittenden, Esq., Superintendent to take care
"of and oversee the building of the meeting house."
Forty-three pews were then bid off, the first and highest bid
being by Noah Chittenden, Esq., for £61, the last and lowest bid
being for £5, amounting in all to £941, or (I suppose) about
$4,000 — a large sum at that early day; nor was this the whole
cost of the house.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 183
The record further says it was "Voted that the Rev. Eben-
"ezer Kingsbury have liberty to choose a pew for his family.
"He came forward and chose the pew by the pulpit stairs and
"proposed to give toward the building of the meeting house £45
"to be paid out of his salary."
I have not been able to find a record of the exact time when
this first meeting house was built and completed, but suppose it
must have been done in the years 1796 and 1797, as this sale of
the pews from a plan of the house and before it was built, was
made December 9, 1795, and it is recorded that the annual town
meeting held March 8, 1798, was adjourned to the 20th of the
same March to meet at 2 o'clock P. M. at the meeting house.
Still it may not have been completed until a year or so later, as
a town record made October 30, 1800, reads
"Opened a meeting of the proprietors of the meeting house.
"Voted to sell the gallery pews. Voted to adjourn to the 25th
"of Dec. next" — closing with an entry made by the then Town
Clerk, Thos. D. Rood, as follows: "the remainder of the pro-
"ceedings of the proprietors of the meeting house will be found
"recorded in their clerk's office."
This book of proprietors' records I have not been able to find
and never saw. Neither have I been able to learn that this meet-
ing house was ever formally dedicated, as is the modern practice,
and presume it never was, as it was always used both for church
and town house, as long as it stood.
This first meeting house was built, both frame and finish, of
the choicest pine. The frame timbers were very large and nu-
merous, and the raising of it was a great event. Most of the
people of the town were there, and many from adjoining towns ;
three days were spent in the raising. There was an additional
interest and curiosity, aside from that in the building. There
were many who did not believe that a building, framed, much of
it, in the woods where it grew, the parts of which had never been
tried together, could ever be raised, as this was the first or among
the first frames, laid out and framed by the square or mathemat-
ical rules now in use — ^the framing and building up to about that
time having been done by the old "cut and try," or scribe rule,
as it was called. But it was successfully raised, only one small
mistake being made.
184 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
The framing was kid out by John Messenger, a son of Rod-
erick Messenger, — ^the work of the building being under the
direction of Capt. Abram Stevens of Essex.
This meeting house was built with a square or four-sided
roof, coming to a point in the center, without steeple or spire of
any kind. There were two rows of windows, one above the other.
The pews were square, with seats on the four sides except the
pew door, or entrance, so that the occupants sat facing each other,
forming a hollow square. The sides of the pews were high, but
below the top moulding and rail was a row of turned spindles
about 6 to 8 inches long; except for the open work framed by
these spindles the children, unless pretty well grown, were out of
sight when seated in them.
There was a row of these pews around the entire house next
the wall, except the space for a wide door in the middle and for
the gallery stairs in each corner of the south end, and a space for
the pulpit opposite the door, in the north end. The door opened
directly into the audience room, there being no vestibule or porch.
There was a wide center aisle running from the door to the pul-
pit, and two side aisles turning to the right and left from the
front entrance, running around inside and next to the wall pews
and meeting at the center aisle in front of the pulpit, and a double
row of pews between the center aisle and the side aisles.
There was a wide gallery on three sides with a seat in front
on the two sides, and two seats across the south end opposite the
pulpit; and between the aisle, back of these seats, and the wall
on the three sides, was a row of pews like those below.
The pulpit was in the shape of a mortar, round, or nearly so
in front, set up on a post, the bottom as high or higher than the
tops of the pews, with not much spare room except for the min-
ister. Suspended directly over the pulpit, by a small iron rod,
was a sounding board, as it was called, made of thin boards, hol-
low, like a huge bass viol, but round or nearly so, some four or
five feet in diameter, the thickness in the center being about one-
half the diameter, the top and bottom being oval : this was sup-
posed by some principle or law of acoustics to aid in making the
voice of the speaker audible at a greater distance.
This meeting house was never painted outside or inside ; had
no chimney, or any provisions for warming. Almost every fam-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 185
ily carried one or more small foot-stoves, which I presume all
present have seen, getting the coals for warming them from the
surrounding houses. I fancy in these modern times it would tax
a Talmage to draw a congregation, and hold them through two
services, to a church without furnace or fire — especially on some
of our coldest winter days.
After stoves came into use one was put into the center aisle,
the pipe going out through the roof. The difference in the tem-
perature which this stove made was largely one of imagination.
An important personage in those days was the tithingman.
A tithingman, as Webster defines it, is "A parish officer annually
elected to preserve good order in the church during divine ser-
vice, and to make complaint of any disorderly conduct, and en-
force the observance of the Sabbath." They were elected by the
town at their annual meeting, and in these early days discharged
their duties most faithfully. The principal field of their labors
during divine service was in those high backed pews in the gal-
lery, where the youngsters, who were allowed to sit there, could
hide out of sight. This officer, varying in number from one to
four, continued to be elected until 1840, when the office was
abolished.
The last public action of the town that had any reference to
this first church building was at a town meetiHg held Jan. 27, 1836,
from the records of which I copy as follows :
"Whereas the proprietors of the building heretofore denomin-
"ated the old meeting house in Jericho have sold or transferred
"their interest in the same and the said house is about being
"taken down whereby the said town will be deprived of the usual
"place of holding town and freemen's meetings, Therefore Re-
"solved, &c." The old meeting house was taken down the May
following — May, 1836.
The result of this town meeting was that at a meeting held
September 5, 1837, the town completed arrangements with the
proprietors of the new meeting house, whereby they secured the
right to occupy the basement room of the same for all political
meetings by the payment of two hundred dollars, and which they
have occupied ever since.
After the Academy was built, about 1825, the lower floor of
which was finished for meetings and public worship, the Baptists
186 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
having the first right to the use and occupancy of it, this Society
having the second right, so that, from that time until a very re-
cent period, this Society used it, more or less, as a vestry room
for weekly and evening meetings, and also for services on the
Sabbath for the few months between the taking down of the old
meeting house, and the completion of the new one. This was
always known and designated as the Conference room.
The first action towards providing for the building of the
new or second meeting house was at a meeting of citizens called
and held at the Conference room November 7, 1833, at which
meeting preliminary steps were taken to form an association for
that purpose, appoint a committee to draft a constitution, draw
a plan, estimate the expense, &c. The committee appointed
were David T. Stone, Nathaniel Blackman, Hosea Spaulding,
Anson Field, Lemuel Blackman and Thomas D. Rood. This
meeting was adjourned to November 28, 1833, at which time the
following plan, substantially, was adopted, viz.: that shares of
$25 each be subscribed for ; that said house shall be built of brick,
and shall be for the use of the First Congregational Society of
Jericho, and shall not be applied to any other purpose or use ex-
cept by the votes of two-thirds of all the proprietors, each share
of $25 having one vote, which mode of voting shall obtain in all
transactions relating to said house. Also, that, when the house
was finished, the whole cost should be apportioned upon the sev-
eral slips or pews by a disinterested committee, and sold at public
auction ; no bid on any slip or pew to be received under the ap-
praisal of the same; each subscriber being obliged to take the
amount of his stock in slips or pews.
The whole business of erecting and finishing said house to be
managed by a Superintending Committee of three persons ap-
pointed by the subscribers to the stock. Said committee not to
proceed to act until $2,500 stock shall have been sold. Dr. Jamin
Hamilton, Nathaniel Blackman and Hosea Spaulding were
elect.ed building committee.
The year 1834 was spent in procuring subscriptions for stock,
deciding upon a location, making the brick, and generally getting
ready. The building was erected in 1835, and finished in 1836.
The whole cost of the house was $4,017.75, which was appor-
tioned upon the slips by Wm. Rhodes of Richmond and Horace
HISTORY OP JBRICHOv VERMONT. 187
L. N'jchols of Burlington, and they were sold October 6, 1836.
The house was finished at that time except painting inside.
I copy the following from the church records, viz.: "January
"25, 1837, at 10 o'clock A. M. the brick meeting house was ded-
"icated to Almighty God for his worship. Sermon by Rev. Pres.
"Wheeler of Vt. University." Signed E. W. Kellogg, Pastor.
The mason work on this church building was done by
Reuben Rockwood, he making the brick for the same in the old
brick yard below the now residence of George C. Bicknell.
The wood work, both framing and finish, was done by Jona-
than Goodhue. The whole of the inside wood work was finished
in panel and moulding, and all, as well as the sash and doors,
were made by hand out of seasoned boards in the rough, — ^the
planing, even, being done by hand. In these days, when almost
everything is done by machinery, this would seem a formidable
undertaking.
The change of this second meeting house to the present one
is of so recent date that I presume the construction is generally
remembered; but for preservation, a brief description, on this
Centennial occasion, may- not be amiss, especially of that part
which has been removed or changed. It was built of brick,
44x64 feet outside, with solid walls 18 inches thick to the gal-
leries and 12 inches above, thus forming a shoulder on which one
end of the gallery timbers was laid. There was no inside frame
or lath, the side walls being plastered on the brick. The chim-
ney was built inside the rear wall. There were two rows of
square windows, and a modest steeple for a bell; the bell was
purchased with funds raised by subscription about the time of
the completion of the church, the cost of it not being included
in the sum apportioned on the slips, and was, I think, the first
church bell in town. There were two front doors opening into
a lobby ; at the corners of this lobby, to the right and left of the
doors, were the stairs leading to the gallery. From the lobby
were two doors nearly opposite the front ones, opening into the
audience room; between these was the pulpit. From each of
the doors an aisle ran straight to the rear wall. The seats were
slips or long seats, such as are now in general use, of which there
were sixty-two— three in each corner at the right and left of the
pulpit set parallel with the aisles; a row of fourteen each set
188 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
between the aisles and the side walls, running back to the rear
wall, and facing the pulpit, and a double row of fourteen each
between the aisles. There was a gallery on the two sides and
the end opposite the pulpit, with a double row of seats around it.
The provision for warming was, at first, two large stoves
set in the front end of the basement, enclosed in brick — a sort
of hot air furnace — ^the best known in those days, but which
proved a failure. Afterwards two stoves were placed above in
the aisles near the entrance doors, but they never proved a suc-
cess in warming the house.
In the month of April, 1877, the pew owners and members
of this church and Society held a meeting at which it was de-
cided to repair the brick meeting house, and the result was
the appointing of Edgar H. Lane, Edwin W. Humphrey, and
Martin V. Willard a committee to superintend and direct such
repairs. A subscription was circulated to raise funds. By a
provision of the Statute the slips, of all non-resident owners, and
of resident owners who did not favor or consent to the re-
pairs, were appraised May 29, 1877, by Andrew Warner, Stephen
Dow and Gordon Smith, a committee selected for that pur-
pose, and the very few who did not relinquish their claim to
or pay for the repairs on their seats were paid the appraisal.
The repairing was done between June, 1877, and February
20, 1878, at a cost of $4,900. The rededication of it was Feb-
ruary 20, 1878; sermon by Rev. George B. Safford, then pastor
of the College Street Church in Burlington, from Psalm 73, v.
25.
In making the repairs the entire wood work, including
the doors, windows and window frames, between the timbers
overhead and the timbers under the floor, was taken out, and
the belfry, as it was called, and shingles from the roof. Noth-
ing of the old church remained but the lower floor timbers, the
overhead timbers and roof and the side walls, which were con-
siderably torn out and filled in, in changing the style of the
windows.
After the discussions and differences of opinions as to how
and what should be built within the old walls left standing,
usual in such cases, a condition of things, as we find in pur-
suing this history that cannot be claimed as a modern discovery,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 189
the result of the repairs, or rather rebuilding, is before you.
The further description of it I leave for the person who shall
write upon Church Edifices here in 1991.
And now as we bring before us the beautiful, convenient
and comfortable church edifices of today all over the land, and
in imagination place them beside those of a century ago, I
fancy the thought and feeling first and uppermost in the minds
of all present is the same — not one of pride or boasting or
superiority, but of deep, devout and sincere gratitude and thank-
fulness to and veneration for those early pioneers, our ancestors,
who, among their first acts, amid all their privations established
the public worship of God, which made possible the churches of
today.
As we look around and see on every hand, not alone that
refined taste that leads us to make beautiful the places of our
worship, but the numerous Christian Associations that throw
around the young, wherever they are, the restraint and protec-
tion of the Christian home, — ^the Sabbath School, a branch of
worship training and fitting the young for more intelligent Chris-
tian manhood and womanhood — the many and various organized
charitable efforts to reach, help, lift up and save all of every
grade and condition who need help, inspired by that unselfish
love taught by Him who gave Himself for us — all these, and
more, the growth and fruit of that early planting of the pub-
lic worship — (and, for want of a better place, in some convenient
house or barn) — of Him who was born in a manger, our emo-
tions find fitting utterance in that doxology, more than two
centuries old —
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
By Rev. Austin Hazen, of Richmond.
Deut. 32 :7. Remember the days of old, consider the years
of many generations; ask thy father, and he will shew thee;
thy elders, and they will tell thee.
190 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
We have come from our widely scattered homes today to
obey this passage of Holy Scripture. As when the weary
traveler gains the height of some o'erlooking hill, he turns back
and sees all the way he has trod in climbing, so we stand today
on an eminence, and look over the way this church has traveled
for one hundred years. We remember the days of old, when
it began its struggles 'in the wilderness. We consider the years
of many generations, and mark its labors, its trials, its growth,
its revivals. We ask the fathers, and they will shew us by what
steps it advanced. We ask our elders, and they shall tell us
how the vine of God's planting has been blessed with His care;
what laborers the church has had, what sons and daughters
she has trained for service here, or elsewhere — the records of
the fathers, the teaching of the elders, will be found both in-
teresting and instructive. Such a history is full of valuable
lessons.
The Town of Jericho was chartered in 1763; in 1774 three
families settled within its limits — two on Winooski river, and
one on Brown's river. The early settlements were broken up
by the Indians, and the Revolutionary war. In 1783 they began
again, and increased rapidly. The first Christian man to settle
in town was Dea. Azariah Rood. He bought a large tract of
land on the western line of the town, and moved his family
here from Lanesboro, Mass. With others, he had great trials
during the war ; was driven of? by Indians, and lost his property.
He was at the battle of Bennington as a helper, not a soldier,
and was taken captive. After the war, in 1783, he came back
to Jericho, and began life again on the frontier.
He was chosen first selectman at the first town meeting
in 1786. In November of the same year he and Esq. Farns-
worth were chosen a committee for the purpose of providing
preaching for the ensuing season. March 20th, 1788, the town
chose Dea. A. Rood and Esq. James Farnsworth a committee to
hire a candidate, and voted to raise money to pay a candidate
for preaching two months.
We are not told whether they succeeded, but September
28th, 1789, "a town tax was granted to pay Rev. Mr. Parmelee
for preaching the past season, £6 5s. 10 pence." This was Rev-
erend Reuben Parmelee, a graduate of Yale, afterward first
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 191
pastor of the Congregational church in Hinesburgh; probably
he would have settled here if the people had been ready. The
first religious service I find record of was at the house of Mr.
Lewis Chapin, 2Sth of May, 1789, a log house near the corner
of the cemetery. "At a lecture preached by Rev. Nathan Per-
kins of Hartford, Conn., were baptized by him Delana and
Christiana, daughters of Capt. Benjamin Bartlett, and Hitty,
daughter of Lewis Chapin." Mr. Perkins labored in many
places in the State as a missionary from the Connecticut Mis-
sionary Society, and five days before this had assisted in form-
ing the church in Hinesburgh. It may be he hoped to form
one here also, but did not find the people prepared.
March 15th, 1790, the town chose Dea. Rood, Noah Chit-
tenden and Lewis Chapin a committee to hire a candidate to
preach on probation, for settlement. They procured in a short
time Ebenezer Kingsbury, who preached most of the season.
September 7th, 1790, the inhabitants of the town voted to
give him a call to settle in the work of the ministry, and voted
two hundred pounds lawful money settlement, including the first
minister's right of land, and thirty-five . pounds lawful money
salary for the first year, and to rise with the list until it amounted
to eighty pounds, which was to be the stated salary. March
31st, 1791, the church was formed by Rev. Reuben Parmelee,
of Hinesburgh ; the members were Azariah Rood, Lewis Chapin,
Dudley Stone, Reuben Lee, Lydia Rood, Lucy Lee, Esther
Chapin, Rachel Stone, Phebe Lee. Where it was formed is
not now known. Vermont was on the 4th of that very month
admitted to tha Union. Thomas Chittenden was Governor,
George Washington was President.
The church in Hinesburgh, formed nearly two years be-
fore, was the only one in all northern Vermont, of any kind.
There were then over forty Congregational churches in the State,
and about thirty-five Baptist churches, mostly confined to the
southern counties. There was no Methodist church or class in
the Vermont Conference until five years later, at Vershire, one
was organized. In what is now comprised in the eight northern
counties there was then no church of any denomination except
the solitary one in Hinesburgh, and that had no meeting house
till many years after this.
192" HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
June 22d, 1791, the church voted to give Mr. Ebenezer
Kingsbury a call to settle with us in the gospel ministry. The
Council met and ordained him the same day. It was composed
of Rev. David ColUns of Lanesboro, Mass., whence Dea. Rood
and others had come, Rev. John Barnet of Middlebury, Rev.
Reuben Parmelee of Hinesburgh, Rev. Chauncey Lee of Sunder-
land, and lay delegates. Mr. Lee preached the sermon, Mr.
Collins made the consecrating prayer and gave the charge. No
record shows where this ordination took place, but I have been
told it was in Mr. Messenger's barn, on Winooski river, near
where Hosea Wright now lives. November 14th, 1791, the town
"Voted that Mr. Messenger be allowed three pounds lawful
money for providing for the Ordaining Council last June."
There were at this time 381 people in town ; other towns had
none. Two years later Congress estabHshed nine post ofifices in
Vermont, one of which was at Burlington. It was no small ef-
fort for a new town, thus isolated and thinly settled, to settle
and support a pastor. April 16th, 1792, the town voted to
jneet in Lewis Chapin's barn for worship. March 4th, 1793,
voted to meet for public worship at Elon Lee's in cold weather,
and in William Smith's barn in warm weather, for one year
from this date. Elon Lee's was where Oliver Brown now lives,
and William Smith's barn was one now owned by Gordon Smith,
and not long ago repaired by him. October 2d, 1794, in town
meeting voted to build a meeting house. They could not agree
where to set it until they chose a committee, who were to be
legalized by the County Court, who set the stake, and it was
agreed to ; got a plan of the house, and sold the pews at vendue
9th December, 1795. It was a large, square structure, of choice
pine lumber, placed in the center of a common of four acres.
It was one of the first public buildings in all the region; in it
large congregations worshipped for forty years. It was cold;
for a long time it had no fires in it; when it was proposed to
put in stoves one woman opposing said, "If their hearts were only
right their bodies would be warm enough." Dea. Rood was the
first deacon.
September 11th, 1801, Thomas Rood, son of Azariah, and
Reuben Lee were chosen deacons. May 17th, 1808, Mr. Kings^
bury was dismissed for want of proper support. He was born in
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 193
North Coventry, Conn. ; graduated at Yale in 1783. He was a
man of influence among the ministers of the State in those early
days. He was chosen by the General Convention in 1805 to
preach the annual sermon at the Commencement of Middlebury
College. He built the house where G. C. Bicknell now lives, on
land given by Mr. Chapin; his lot from the town was on the
opposite side of the road, extending to the road east.
The church grew to over fifty members during his ministry —
the longest, with one exception, it has ever had. His wife Mary,
died in 1792, and was buried here. His second wife, Hannah,
was very useful in the parish. August 4th, 1810, he was installed
over a Congregational Church in Harford, Penn., and dismissed
September 19th, 1827. He died there March 22d, 1842, at a
good old age.
The first Society for the support of preaching was formed in
October, 1808. December 20th they met at Moses Billings' Inn,
and "Voted to give Mr. Denison a- call, and for his encourage-
ment to give him annually $400, to be annually paid by January
1st in good merchantable grain, pork, or beef cattle, to be fully
paid on or before the first of March, or delinquents to be holden
to pay money without further delay."
February 9th, 1809, the church voted to give Mr. John
Denison a call to settle with us and take the pastoral charge of
the church; he was ordained March 1st; the Council met at the
house of Lewis Chapin ; Rev. Lemuel Haynes, the colored pastor
of West Rutland, was Moderator, and offered the consecrating
prayer; Rev. Holland Weeks preached; Rev. Simeon Parmelee,
ordained at Westford the year before, gave the right hand of
fellowship. It being not always easy to raise the full salary they
voted at one time "to accept Mr. Denison's proposal to mission-
ate thirteen weeks and deduct fifty dollars from his salary."
Mr. Denison was a young man of fine talents and earnest
piety, and the church grew during his short ministry; there was
a wonderful work of grace in the time. He died March 28th,
1812, of consumption: his grave is in the cemetery here — the
only pastor who has died in town. He was born in Lyme, Conn.,
May 3d, 1793; studied theology with Rev. Holland Weeks of
Pittsford. He left one son ; Rev. John H. Denison of Williams-
194 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
town, Mass., is a grandson. Mrs. Denison afterward married
Rev. E. H. Dorman of Swanton.
May 6th, 1812, Lewis Chapin was chosen church clerk : Mr.
Kingsbury kept the records while he was here.
July 5th, 1814, a Council again met at the house of Lewis
Chapin, and after due examination Rev. Joseph Labaree was or-
dained pastor ; Rev. Thomas A. Merrill of Middlebury preached,
and Father Lyon, the sage of Grand Isle, gave the charge. It
was sometimes hard to raise the salary, and at one time they
voted "that if there are not $400 annually raised for Mr. Larabee,
he have leave to missionate a part of the time each year, not to
exceed eight weeks in one year." They also organized a Society
for his support "to be governed by the majority in all meetings,
except in this particular, if one-fourth shall choose that Mr. L.
be dismissed, and risk getting another minister, the majority
agree to comply."
October 7th, 1818, a council met to consider the matter, and
voted that the pastoral relation ought not to be dissolved. They
gave three months to raise his support, and adjourned. "At the
end of that time no adequate provision being made, and it being
impossible that a minister should abide with a people, and be
useful unsupported," they advised his dismission.
They say, "We are distressed to leave this people in such a
state of melancholy bereavement ; we hope our fears will be dis-
appointed, and their sorrow may be turned into joy." Mr. La-
baree was born in Charlestown, N. H., June Uth, 1783, grad-
uated at Middlebury 1811. He was a cousin of President Ben-
jamin Labaree ; his wife was Huldah, sister of Daniel and John
Lyman. He died in Ohio October 18th, 1852.
August 9th, 1819, the Society gave Rev. L. P. Blodgett a
call, and voted $500 for his support, to be paid in neat cattle in
October, or in good merchantable grain in January following.
September 19th he was installed. The first three pastors began
their work here; but Mr. Blodgett came after a successful pas-
torate of a dozen years at Rochester. The church grew largely
during his ministry, but all did not go smoothly in the parish.
In 1824 they debated whether to meet for worship part of the
time at the Corners. This made trouble; and division.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 195
March 29th, 1826, a council was called to consider matters,
and advise the church. They appointed a committee to confer,
and see whether measures could be adopted to heal their difficul-
ties. "We do hope that all parties concerned will, if possible,
lay aside all unprofitable reflections on what is past, and come
into measures and so terminate this long agitated and distressful
transaction." The Council adjourned to May 9th, when it came
together, and, finding the two Societies could not agree, dismissed
Mr. Blodgett. He then was pastor at the Corners.
Luther Palmer Blodgett was born in Cornwall, March 19th,
1783 ; graduated at Middlebury in 1805 ; was ordained at Roches-
ter, Vermont, April 24th, 1807, Rev. Lemuel Haynes preaching
the sermon. After leaving Jericho he preached in several places
in New York; he died January 26th, 1862. His wife was Mary
Jefferson, daughter of Joseph Jefferson, a cousin of Thomas
Jefferson, and his secretary when Minister to France — one of the
party famous by throwing the tea into Boston harbor.
June 16th, 1826, the brethren and sisters living near the
Corners requested letters of their regular standing in this church
to form a church at the Corners. The church objected, for sev-
eral reasons; some of them were "Because we need them, and
they are not needed there"; "because they can be better accom-
modated with Christian privileges in this church than in the one
to which they wish to be dismissed : there they cannot have preach-
ing more than half the time"; "some are nearer this church
than the Corners : they must go much out of the way or remain at
home, or worship with us half the time; we cannot think that
these brethren ought to divest themselves of one-half of their
Christian privileges"; "their reasons are insufficient; and some of
them manifest improper feelings towards this church."
A large Council was at length called, for advice. After con-
sideration, they said, "A visit from the Holy Comforter would
soon remove those mountains which seem to arise in your path,
and banish the clouds which hang over you. It would melt your
hearts into one mind and lead you to the same course. Then let
your prayer be unceasing, and give God no rest until He come
and establish you and build you up." The church at the Corners
was finally formed that year, and the brick meeting house built
196 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
there, in which the Second Church and the Baptist worshipped
until 1858.
September 2d, 1882, Lewis Chapin, Jr., was chosen church
clerk. July 10th, 1828, Rev. Hervey Smith was installed pastor.
He was one of the best of men, a faithful and judicious minister.
There are a few persons living who united with the church while
he was pastor. His ministry was prosperous, but they could not
raise the salary, and he was dismissed October 22d, 1833. He
was born in Granby, Massachusetts, January 6th, 1794, ordained
in Weybridge in 1825. He died in Sacketts Harbor, New York,
in 1850.
In 1834 John Lyman, Jr., was chosen church clerk ; he kept
the records for about forty years. He led the singing for twenty-
five years ; was absent in the time only two half days, from sick-
ness in his family.
In 1834 fifteen members asked "leave to withdraw, and
organize into a church according to the gospel." The church
declined to give these letters, and were justified in it by vote of
the Council, as the following extract from the records will show.
"The Council have no confidence in the soundness of the prin-
ciples, or the purity of the motives of those whom the petitioners
wish to follow as leaders. They do not come to the church in
any authorized character; they do not come to the church as a
friend comes to reform a friend, but rather to pluck up and de-
stroy. Their professed object is the diffusion of peace, but it is
seen that everywhere the result of their efforts is dissension.
They strangely propose to promote the union of different denom-
inations of Christians by adding yet another party with a silenced,
deposed and excommunicated man at their head. Their whole
scheme, in the view of the Council, is unscriptural, chimerical,
subversive of all gospel order, and fraught with innumerable
evils."
The members withdrew and formed the Union Church,
without any creed except the Bible. It did not prosper. The
church labored with these brethren over two years; sent letters
of admonition; suspended them; and finally voted their excom-
munication because they "departed from the faith and order of
this church, and united with a church not in fellowship with
this." Most of them afterwards came back, confessing that they
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 197
had done wrong in forming the Union Church, and in having
unkind feelings toward their brethren. The leader of this re-
markable movement was Rev. John Truair. He was ordained
pastor of the church in Cambridge November 21st, 1810, and
dismissed in 1813. He then settled over a Presbyterian Church in
Sherburne, New York. He went to New York city and labored
among seamen, and edited a paper. While there he was deposed
from the ministry by Presbytery. He preached in Hampshire
County, Massachusetts, and in Cambridge, Jericho, and other
towns, "known as the head of a new sect who style themselves
the Union Church." Some churches were "greatly convulsed
and divided by the efforts of John Truair and his followers." He
is described as a large, powerful man, a good singer, and impres-
sive speaker. Many followers were devotedly attached to him,
and enthusiastic in his praise. He was bitter toward existing
churches and tried to draw people from them, and was regarded
by many as an enemy of good order and a herald of divisions.
One now venerable brother who worked with him says, "He told
me I should go to ruin if I didn't come out of the church and
join his; I told him I would run the risk." The passing years
have witnessed more growth and usefulness in the brother who
stayed in the church than in those who left it.
Between 1830 and 1840 the church numbered over two hun-
dred members. January 25th, 1837, Rev. Elias Wells Kellogg
was installed pastor; he had preached some months previous.
The new brick meeting house, begun in 1835, was dedicated the
same day. President Wheeler, of Burlington, preached the ser-
mon. The year its foundations were laid two men were born
who were to preach in it half of its first half century. Mr. Kel-
logg was dismissed July 7th, 1840. He afterward preached in
Highgate. He died at Ringwood, Illinois.
Rev. Samuel Kingsbury, a teacher in the Academy, preached
for a while in 1840 and in 1841. Rev. Zenas Bliss preached about
two years. He was a man of more than usual depth and origin-
ality, of fine character, and profound scholarship; perhaps his
preaching was sometimes above the mass of the people. When
he preached six sermons upon one text the thoughtful feasted —
the many thought he was too deep.
14
198 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Zenas Bliss was bom in Randolph, November 24th, 1808;
his mother was a woman of marked character and metaphysical
mind. We need not wonder to find the son a man of uncommon
powers. He graduated at the University of Vermont in 1831;
studied two years at Andover ; was ordained at Sheridan, N. Y.,
October 28th, 1835 ; preached two years at Quechee ; after leav-
ing Jericho, one year at Winooski. In 1844 he went to Alabama
and taught four years. In 1848 he went to Richmond and preach-
ed six years. The church and parsonage there were built through
his efforts. He died at Amherst, Mass., December 9th, 1865.
Rev. J. Henry Bliss of New Hampshire is his son; a daughter
is teacher in the Huguenot Seminary in South Africa.
Simeon BickneU, another teacher in the Academy, was the
next preacher for a year.
In 1844 the church called Mr. Francis Brown Wheeler; he
was ordained pastor January 23d, 1845; Rev. O. S. Hoyt of
Hinesburgh preached the sermon ; Rev. Simeon Parmelee, father
of Mrs. Wheeler, gave the charge.
September 18th, 1846, Albert Lee and Ezra Elliot were
chosen deacons. Mr. Elliot was excused at his request, but was
twice chosen afterward, and in 1856 he accepted. Deacon Lee
died in 1863, much lamented ; he was a man of talent and piety,
and for some years superintendent of the Sunday School. Dea.
Elliot was also a faithful and beloved officer of the church until
his death in 1880, and left a legacy for the support of preaching.
March 31st, 1849, the church celebrated its fifty-eighth an-
niversary. A large choir rendered much of the ancient music
"in a manner that elicited universal admiration." An address
was delivered by Rev. George W. Ranslow, and a sermon by Rev.
Simeon Parmelee. "With joy we recounted the mercies of God
to us and our fathers ; with gratitude we inscribed on our hearts
'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us'; with confidence in God we
looked into the future, feeling that the same goodness which had
been extended to us, and to those who had preceded us, would not
be wanting to our children in coming time, if they made the God
of their fathers their God. The church is God's, and He will
care for it. We commend its interests to His gracious care.
Leave not this people, neither forsake them, O God of our sal-
vation." The record of the proceedings asks "When the year
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 199
1891 shall come, if this church is in existence will not its mem-
bers celebrate the one hundredth anniversary, and set up another
Ebenezer ?"
The young pastor won the hearts of the people, and they
were reluctant to give him up, but he was dismissed January 2d,
1850. The Council gave the people some wholesome advice upon
liberal giving, and the support of the ministry, "in order to pre-
vent a like sad separation in the future." They said "The salary
paid is not enough to command the best talent or help to the best
work, and God's blessing cannot be expected."
The people resented this advice of Council as an imperti-
nence, and declared they would not settle another minister and
have a Council meddling with their affairs, — and they have kept
their word. Since that time they have had no Council and no
settled pastor.
Mr. Wheeler was bom at North Adams, Mass., September
9th, 1819; graduated at the University of Vermont in 1842;
studied one year at Andover, and afterward privately. He has
been pastor at Brandon, Saco, in Maine, and of the First Presby-
terian Church at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he still continues.
He received the degree of D. D. from his Alma Mater in 1887,
also from Hamilton College previously.
Rev. George Butterfield next supplied the pulpit one year.
In 1853 Rev. John W. Pierce became acting pastor for four years.
In this time there was marked religious interest, and a goodly
number was added to the church — among them some of its pres-
ent active members. Mr. Pierce was born in Sutton, Mass., July
11th, 1811 ; graduated at Bangor Seminary in 1840; was ordained
at Sutton, Mass., October 20th, 1840. He was a Home Mission-
ary at the West for a time, and then gave up the ministry for
some years on account of ill health. In 1851 he preached at
Westminster, later at Highgate and St. Albans Bay; also in
Maine. He died at Highgate, of consumption, March 2d, 1872.
In 1857 and '8 Rev. Charles Scott was acting pastor. He
was earnest, active and successful in his work, and the church
was much quickened: the people were greatly attached to him,
and wished to retain him longer. He was not strong, and gave
as a reason for not staying, the difficulty of speaking in the old
church and the liability of taking cold in it in winter — a reason
200 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
all who preached in the old church, and some who used to wor-
ship there, can fully appreciate. Nevertheless, that house con-
tinued to hurt ministers and keep away worshippers for many
years. Mr. Scott was born in Halifax, Vermont, and educated
at Hartford Seminary ; has preached in many places in Vermont
and other states, always with acceptance and usefulness. He
now resides in Reading, Mass.
After him Rev. Wilson Barlow Parmelee, son of Dr. Simeon,
preached six months; was much liked, and wanted longer. He
was a native of Westford; graduated at the University of Ver-
mont in 1853, and at Auburn Seminary. He was settled over a
large Presbyterian Church at Little Falls, N. Y., but on account
of impaired health has not preached all the time for some years ;
he now lives in Oswego, New York.
In 1860 Rev. Caleb Branch Tracy became acting pastor, and
continued four years. He was born in New Marlboro, Mass.,
July 11th, 1799; graduated at Williams College in 1826, and at
Andover Seminary in 1829; was ordained February 10th, 1830,
at Colebrook, Conn. In 1837 he was settled in Boscawen, New
Hampshire, where he remained fourteen years. He supplied two
or three years each at St. Johnsbury Center, Northfield and
Rochester. In 1866 he went to Bennington, N. H., where he
preached until 1868, when he went to Wilmot and labored there
nine years. He died of pneumonia at Potter Place in Andover
January 14th, 1881.
After Mr. Tracy left Rev. A. D. Barber supplied the pulpit
with acceptance for some months.
September 1st, 1864, Rev. Austin Hazen became acting pas-
tor, and continued twenty years. The people were in a discour-
aged state; the church was old style and uncomfortable; the
parsonage out of repair — the parsonage was repaired the next
year, the church not until fourteen years after; in 1878 it was
thoroughly repaired, and made one of the best in the region. It
was again dedicated in February, Rev. George B. Saflford of Bur-
lington preaching the sermon. In 1875 and '6 there was a great
awakening in town ; the prayers of years seemed answered in the
quickening of Christians and conversion of sinners. Great
changes in the church and congregation took place in those years
— one generation passed away, and another grew up.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 201
Austin Hazen was born in Hartford, Vermont, February
14th, 1835, son of Rev. Austin Hazen, long pastor at Hartford
and Berlin ; graduated at the University of Vermont in 1855, and
at Andover Seminary in 1857. In August of that year he began
preaching in Norwich; was ordained pastor there March 29th,
1860, and dismissed in 1864. In 1875 he began to supply the
church at Richmond, in addition to his labors here, and on leav-
ing this field removed there. His wife, Mary Carleton, died in
1880, and was buried on the hill-side where sleeps the dust of so
many good men and women. Mr. Hazen afterward married Mira
F. Elliot of Jericho.
In 1866 Charles H. Lyman was chosen deacon; in 1874 he
was dismissed to the church at the Corners. He gave fifty dollars
toward the organ, as a token of his continued love for the church
of his youth.
July 8th, 1876, Isaac C. Stone and Milo Hoyt Chapin were
chosen deacons ; they stiU hold the office.
After Mr. Hazen left, the people were very fortunate in ob-
taining at once Rev. John Kilbourn Williams. He came in the
full maturity of his powers, and with a successful experience in
former pastorates. Although he lived at Underbill and was pas-
tor also there, his work was successful here. In 1887 there was
a remarkable awakening, and the church received one of its
largest accessions afterwards. Mr. Williams was born at Char-
lotte February 21st, 1835; graduated at Middlebury College in
1860: he was afterward tutor there; he spent two years at Au-
burn Seminary, but graduated at Andover in 1866.
November 21st, 1866, he was ordained pastor at Bradford;
in 1872 installed pastor at West Rutland. He removed from his
pastorate here to Peacham in 1889.
Mr. Nathaniel Kingsbury labored earnestly some months,
and they gave him a call, which he declined.
Rev. Leonard Baker Tenney became acting pastor here and
at Essex in the spring of 1890. He entered upon the work with
zeal, and fruits are already apparent. He was born at Jaffrey,
New Hampshire, September 12th, 1854, son of Rev. Leonard
Tenney; graduated at Dartmouth 1875; studied at Hartford,
Union, and Andover; was ordained at Barre April 14th, 1882.
202 HISTORY OF. JERICHO; VERMONT.
He has labored as a Home Missionary at the West and in Ver-
mont.
This church has had frequent changes in its ministry — too
many short pastorates. There are churches organized about the
same time which have had only a few pastors, while this has had
twelve or fourteen. Some of these pastors might have been kept
longer by suitable effort on the part of the people.
This church has had some remarkable manifestations of
divine power; would that a full history of its revivals could be
written ; the recoi-d of both its earlier and later ones would be to
the praise of its glorious Lord.
The influence of this church has blessed the town, giving a
higher tone to society; many souls have been saved by its work
through divine grace; numbers saved here have already joined
the church above; numbers have gone forth to bless other
churches.
The fathers and mothers sacrificed, toiled, and prayed for
this church: so would you, the sons and daughters, do. Per-
petuate its influence and usefulness; it would be a crime against
man, a sin against God, to let it languish and die.
Note. — The records of the church in some periods are very meagre;
much has been gathered from various sources. I am much indebted to
Rev. A. W. Wild, the painstaking and accurate historian of our
churches.
First Congregational Church.
The preceding sketches, so full and satisfactory as to preclude
the need of farther research, bring the story of the church down
to 1891. It remains for the editor to supplement this with some
details of the subsequent history.
Rev. Austin Hasen, the historian and the pastor for 20 years
at Jericho Center, began supplying, as he states, in 1875 at Rich-
mond, removed to that place in 1884 and remained there till his
death in 1895. In May of that year he sailed for Europe, but
died on shipboard. The Hazens are a remarkable ministerial
family. Mr. Hazen's father, whose name was likewise Austin,
had a ministerial service of 43 years, all in Vermont. Four out
of five of that father's sons entered the Christian ministry, Allen,
Austin, William S. and Azel W. Allen was a missionary in India
for 27 years and a pastor of New England churches for a con-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 203
siderable time. William had a pastorate of 42 years at
Northfield,. Vt., and Azel has preached 47 years at Middletown,
Conn. Austin, the subject of this sketch, had seven sons, of
whom four went into the ministry. He was unassuming, irenic,
capable, practical and efficient. "Few Vermont pastors have been
so thoroughly respected and loved within the range of their ac-
quaintance."
Pastorates since 1891. — Rev. L. B. Tenney, who is mentioned
in the foregoing history as here at the time of the centennial, re-
mained only till July, 1892. During his pastorate much attention
was given to meetings in out districts. Mr. Tenney also supplied
at Essex Center.
Rev. Edwin Rose followed him for a period of five years.
Out district meetings were continued, and, he being particu-
larly interested in temperance, many temperance meetings were
held and young people signed the pledge. Mrs. Rose conducted
meetings for young people. Miss Lydia Hartig, one of the
state workers, assisted Mr. Rose for two weeks in evangelistic
meetings, which were well attended and awakened unusual in-
terest but resulted in few conversions. Deacons' meetings, after-
ward called Officers' meetings, were established for' consultation,
for action upon minor church affairs and for recommendation to
the church of action upon important matters. At first the pastor,
deacons, clerk and treasurer with their wives, and later in ad-
dition to these the Sunday School superintendent, trustees, presi-
dents of the missionary societies with their wives or husbands,
were invited to participate, and these gatherings have proved a
decided benefit. The first one was convened at the parsonage
and Mrs. Rose served supper.
Rev. Charles E. Hayward commenced his labors here in July,
1897, and remained five years. He was installed Oct. 20, 1897.
Among material improvements are the repairing of the interior of
the church and the transfer of the choir from the gallery to the
corner at the left of the pulpit. A new carpet was given by the
Ladies' Aid Society. The church assumed the financial and
business care of the Sunday School and began devoting the greater
part of its Sunday offerings to current expenses. Mr. Hay-
ward took the lead in forming a village improvement society.
There was much agitation about the new theology, and the tran-
204 HISTORY OF JEHICHO, VERMONT.
sition from old views to new, which the future historian will not
hesitate to say is inevitable everywhere at some time, was attended
here by an intense feeling of opposition.
Rev. Charles O. Gill, who began in Julyi 1902, had been a
missionary in China, but was compelled to come back on account
of the health of his wife. He was a wise and earnest worker, in
sympathy with new views, but sagacious in presenting them. The
salary was increased $100, but later half of this amount was taken
off and Mr. Gill to the dismay of many sought and obtained an-
other field.
Rev. John W. Gofifin came in Jan., 1905. The old parsonage
needing many repairs, a movement was started to build a new
one. One acre of the land was retained, the remainder with the
house being sold for $600, and a handsome two-story house con-
taining nine rooms with hallways and equipped with a furnace
and fire-place, was erected at an expense of about $2,650. A
very strenuous effort to raise the necessary funds, both from
within and without the parish, met with success. Mr. Goffin was
an able preacher. His wife was an invalid, and on account of
her increasing weakness he sought a pastorate in California, and
closed work here in June, 1907.
Rev. Samuel H. Barnum, the writer of this sketch, Yale, 75,
Yale Seminary, '79, began work Oct. 20, 1907, coming from a
long pastorate in Cornwall in this state. During the years fol-
lowing improvements have been made upon the parsonage and
grounds, and the exterior of the church building has been painted.
In 1908 an individual communion service was presented to the
church in memory of Mr. and Mrs. George Brown. At the close
of 1909, fifty dollars was added to the pastor's salary. The du-
plex envelope and benevolence pledge system was introduced with
success. A goodly number of additions had brought the total
church membership up to 144 at the opening of 1914, 38 being
absentees. But the total was the highest since 1840 or earlier. A
legacy of $950 has been received from Mrs. Adelia Bartlett Davis,
late of Hooksett, N. H., whose childhood was spent here ; also a
gift of $1,000 from a friend of the church. The deacons at the
present time are G. C. Bicknell and F. A. Stiles, and the Super-
intendent of the Sunday School E. B. Jordan, succeeding Mrs. J.
W. Hart who had served six years.
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 205
Chapter III.
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, JERICHO
CORNERS.
(The following account was read by Mrs. M. J. Wilbur at
the annual meeting in 1905).
The Meeting House. — Early in the year 1824 a goodly num-
ber of townsmen had become convinced that a meeting house was
needed at "Jericho four corners," and accordingly they "warned
a meeting to be held at John Butler's dwelling house in Jericho, on
the 5th day of May, 1824, at 6 o'clock in the afternoon, to elect
necessary officers, and transact any business thought best." The
following business was transacted, to wit :
"1. Chose George Howe, Moderator.
"2. Chose Joseph Porter, Society Clerk.
"3. Voted to build a Meeting House.
"4. Chose George Howe, Peter Shaw, and Gideon O. Dixon
a committee to superintendent the building of said Meeting House,
to be vested with discretionary power therein."
On Dec. 3, 1824, at 6 o'clock at the schoolhouse, another
meeting was called "to examine the claims against said society, and
see if the same shall be allowed."
It is interesting to see how these sturdy pioneers persevered
and completed this, the first church building in this part of the
town, in less than two years at a cost of $3,495.90, and that, when
all work was done by hand and under great disadvantages and
discouragements.
In 1834 Dr. George Howe, who had permitted the society to
build the meeting house on his land, deeded to three trustees.
Oliver Lowry, Luther Prouty and William A. Prentiss, the house
and green or common on which it stood, in trust, to be used for
religious purposes.
In April, 1847, money was raised by subscription to purchase
a bell for the meeting house, and "for all the materials which may
be necessary to put the same into good order for service ; also for
repairing the belfry and roof of said meeting house, to be paid
out of whatever moneys may be left after purchasing the Bell."
Truman Galusha, George B. Oakes and Milton Ford were ap-
206 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
pointed a general committee for purchasing and putting into place
said bell, and the record on Dec. 25, 1847, shows the committee's
bill of expenditure and the bell in the belfry at a cost of $297.15,
eight months' accomplishment.
The Baptist and Second Congregational Churches occupied
the meeting house for public worship, each on alternate Sabbaths
from 1826 to 1858 when the Baptist Church built a house of its
own and abandoned the "Old Brick Meeting House." The Con-
gregational Church continued its occupancy until 1865, when by
reason of their inability to maintain proper support, they voted to
suspend preaching, and the house was abandoned. For eleven
years following the property was in litigation, it being claimed by
the original heirs, the Brick Meeting House Society, and the
school district, which in the meantime had bought it and paid
$350 to the heirs for a schoolhouse.
The Supreme Court having decided it had not reverted to the
original owners, but was still owned by the Brick Meeting House
Society, the reorganized Second Congregational Church and So-
ciety proceeded in 1876 to repair and refurnish the building. This
was undertaken under harsh threats and many discouragements,
but the building committee: L. M. Stevens, H. M. Field, Dr. E. P.
Howe, Flavel C. Williams and L. F. Wilbur, moved forward with
steady purpose, and Dec. 19, 1877, the old brick meeting house
was completed and furnished at an expense of $3,266.77 and on
this day was rededicated. President M. H. Buckham preaching
the sermon from Acts 11 :42, and the dedicatory prayer being of-
fered by Rev. Edwin Wheelock of Cambridge.
In 1894 the inside of this house was again thoroughly re-
paired at a cost of $413, and again in 1902 the walls and ceiling
were freshly painted, and today we gratefully remember those
who have gone before and made this beautiful edifice possible for
us to occupy and enjoy.
This church home is closely connected with the cemetery in
the rear, and the first body placed within it was that of Lorenda
Mead, wife of Ezra Church, who died Jan. 24, 1826, a few months
before the meeting house was completed. Here are the remains of
most of the builders, not only of this house, but of the sturdy
principles of this community, and those who have partaken of
these benefits should ever hold them in grateful remembrance.
HISTORY OF JERIOHOi VERiMONT. 207
and hold sacred those grounds and belongings until they too shall
sleep with them and enter into their reward.
The Church. — On Aug. 31, 1826, 24 members of the Con-
gregational Church at Jericho Center took letters from that
church, and were formed into what has since been known as The
Second Congregational Church of Jericho, by Rev. Luther P.
Blodgett and Rev. George Freeman. Articles of faith and a
covenant were subscribed to and adopted, and are in a good state
of preservation at this time. The new church was fortunate in
having been provided with the brick meeting house for a place
to hold services, it having been completed the same year of the
organization. Members were added from time to time and some
excommunicated during the following years, though the records
are meagre and sometimes entirely omitted.
In 1839 a new covenant and creed were adopted and again
in 1848, at which time, owing to previous laxity in church gov-
ernment and other causes, as the record says, "The only proper
course was for those who were willing to move forward as a
.church to recovenant and start anew." Accordingly the new creed
and covenant were signed by twelve of the then members, and
they were declared the Second Congregational Church of Jericho.
During the next three years fourteen more signed the articles and
were re-instated. A large number, however, were unwilling to
continue their membership.
In March, 1858, thirteen united on confession and four oth-
ers during 1862-1863. One hundred and thirty-seven names ap-
pear in the records as having been connected with this church dur-
ing the years 1826-1863, and in 1865 owing to feebleness and
other reasons the church voted to discontinue services.
In the early seventies, several Congregational families having
come to the village, it was thought best to reorganize the church,
which was done July 10, 1874, by fourteen of the original mem-
bers accepting a new creed and covenant, and fourteen from other
churches with three on confession of faith uniting together, mak-
ing a membership of 31. W. I. Byington was chosen first deacon
and Luther M. Stevens second deacon. In August 1899 Deacon
Stevens entered into rest and C. Van VUet was elected to fill the
vacancy. His removal opened the way for the choice of C. L.
Field, and on his removal C. E. Percival and Ira C. Morse were
208 HISTOEY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
elected Jan. 29, 1905, and Mrs. C. E. Percival and Mrs. Ira C.
Morse were elected deaconesses.
Supplementary Notes by the Editor.
List of Ministers who have served the Second Congrega-
tional Church.
Luther P. Blodgett, 1826-1827. He came from the First
Church. For further particulars see history of that church.
No report, 1828-1837.
Elihu B. Baxter, 1838-1840, who first entered the Methodist
ministry. He considered himself specially called to itinerant
services.
No report, 1841-1848.
John C. Wilder, 1849-1850, 1852. He taught, preached 17
years, mostly in Vermont, and then became a farmer in Charlotte.
He died in 1892 aged 89. The church had preaching a part of
the time in the intervals between pastorates, and among the sup-
plies were a Mr. Cutler, Priest Smith of Burlington in 1835, and
President Pease of the college. For several winters during the
forties protracted meetings were held by Rev. Mr. Kellogg of
Montpelier, and the building was crowded with people.
Samuel Marsh, 1852-55. His last pastorate.
Vacant most of the time, 1856-61.
Ebenezer C. Birge, 1862-64, who was bom in Underbill in
1810, and lived there during his pastorate here and till 1874. He
died in Chicago, 111., May 28, 1882. The church membership had
increased to 45.
Vacant, 1865-74. In 1874, as before stated, the church was
reorganized.
Prof. John E. Goodrich, 1875.
Prof. H. A. P. Torrey, 1876.
John D. Emerson, 1877-82.
Dana B. Bradford, 1882-88. During this pastorate the church
was not yoked with Underbill. Mr. Bradford was bom in Hills-
boro, N. H., Oct. 29, 1817, and was ordained in the Christian
denomination in 1838, but preached many years as a Congrega-
tionalist. This was his last parish, and after the close of his
work he continued his residence here till his death, Feb. 10, 1890.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 209
Henry T. Barnard, 1888-91. From 1889 on this church has
joined with Underhill in supporting a pastor. Mr. Barnard had
been a Free Will Baptist, having been ordained in 1880. Since
leaving his pastorates have been at West Rutland, Bradford, Vt.,
West Stafford and Tolland, Ct., and Mclndoe Falls, Vt. His
present address is Bradford.
Clarence Pike, 1891-95. Subsequently preached at Mans-
field, Ct., 12 years, and Ashland, Mass., and is now pastor at Roy-
alston, Mass.
Ralph H. White, 1895-99, who came from the Methodists.
After leaving here he attended Yale Theological Seminary, was
ordained at Cummington, Mass., and now preaches at Newport,
N. H.
George M. Rees, 1900-01. He has been for several years in
Minnesota.
O. F. Thayer, 1901-02. Here five months. Now at Sher-
man, Cal.
M. J. B. Fuller, 1902. During his stay of six months he was
ordained. Now at Hanover, Ct.
Wilbur Rand, 1903-06. Now at Westmore. May 7, 1905
Oliver Brown and family presented the church an individual
communion service in memory of Mrs. Brown.
Charles B. Atwood, 1906-09. Since at Strafford and Cabot
and now at Guilford. In 1909 a vestry was built adjoining the
church at a cost of about $1,000.
Vacant, 1909-10, supplied a part of the time by Rev. E. J.
Ranslow.
Park A. Bradford, 1911, over 6 months. He now resides at
East Dorset.
William Cashmore Nov. 5, 1911. Born in Scotland, grad-
uated at McGill University and Wesley Theological College, 1895,
also graduated at Collins Veterinary Medical College. He was
ordained in 1898 and has held Methodist pastorates at Gorham
and Gardiner, Me., Port Henry, N.Y., and South Shaftsbury, Vt.
In June, 1914, he joined the Chittenden County Congregational
Association and thereby became a Congregationalist.
In 1912 a new carpet and window shades were placed in the
church and other improvements were made. In Dec, 1913, the
new Congregational creed was adopted as the creed of this church.
210 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
Aug. 23, 1914, the church received from the children of the late
Deacon L. M. Stevens and wife a memorial fund of $5,000 to be
known as the Stevens Memorial Fund. Funds received previous-
ly are from Mary Emily Blackman $100, from Mary A. Williams
$500, from Abby G. Spalding $500 and from Mrs. Charles Lyman
$100. The church membership, Jan., 1915, was 74, of whom 28
were absent, and the value of the property was $5,000. Mrs. Wm.
L. Roberts is Sunday School Superintendent.
Sketches of two former pastors are available.
Rev. Samuel Marsh.
Mr. Marsh was born at Danville July 3, 1796. His mother
consecrated him to the ministry, but his father, though a good
man, was unwilling to aid him. When 19 years of age he walked
160 miles to Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., in order to at-
tend that school. A wealthy uncle offered him $75,000
if he would study surveying and become a rich man, but he de-
clined. He graduated at Dartmouth in 1821, and in 1824 at An-
dover Theological Seminary. After several pastorates he bought
a house at Underbill Flats in 1851 or 1852, and is recorded as
pastor at the Corners 1852-55. He died at the home of his daugh-
ter April 1, 1874. In connection with his pastoral work he car-
ried on a colportage system. He combated Universalism, and
was an ardent advocate of temperance and of abolitionism. When
he came to his death, he said he had heard of the dark valley but
saw none, and was more happy than tongue could tell.
Rev. John D. Emerson.
Pastor here 1877-82, and at Underbill 1876-83. The reno-
vated meeting house was rededicated Dec, 1877. Mr. Emerson
was born in Candia, N. H., May 29, 1828, graduated at Dartmouth
College and Andover Seminary, and preached at Haverhill, N. H.,
and Biddeford, Maine, before coming here. Then he went to
Kennebunkport, Me., and afterward returned to Biddeford, spend-
ing nearly all his remaining years there. He died April 12, 1897.
A son, Rev. Stephen G., d. at Prescott, Ariz., Jan., 1916. Mr.
Emerson was Superintendent of Schools in town, and in this
work showed a genuine interest in the scholars, inspiring several
to gain a higher education. The churches greatly appreciated his
HISTORY OF JERIOHO, VBiRMONT. 211
superior ability and paid an unusually large salary. He was an
original thinker and inspirational preacher.
A notable recent event occurred on Aug. 29, 1915, when a
tablet was unveiled in memory of Dea. Luther M. Stevens, 1812-
89, and his wife Mary Anna Stevens, 1810-1893. This tablet of
bronze was placed upon the wall of the church over against the
old Stevens pew. At the ceremony the church was well filled and
the service impressive. The discourse was given by Rev. H. T.
Barnard, who officiated at the funeral of Dea. Stevens, twenty-
six years ago that day, and also at the funeral of his wife nearly
four years later. He said : "They were true typical descendants
of the Puritans. Deacon Stevens, dignified, grave, manly in his
bearing towards his fellow men, yet humble and devout before
God, exemplified the characteristics of a good deacon laid down
by St. Paul to Timothy. Mrs. Stevens, modest, retiring, gentle,
loving, friendly to all and a friend to all, having a right to the
beatitude, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for theirs is the King-
dom of heaven.' With her eyes full of laughter and her heart
as full of goodness as a June day is full of sunshine, like her hus-
band, she beautifully rounded out the character of the deacon's
wife."
Chapter IV.
CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT RIVERSIDE.
In the journal of the proceedings of the fifty-second annual
convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of
Vermont held Sept. 21 and 22, 1842, the following entry appears :
"Milton and Jericho. The Rev. Samuel Breck Bostwick, mis-
sionary. At Jericho, baptisms (adults 1, children 9) 10. Cate-
chisms (boys 3, girls 8) 11. As there is not an organized parish
at either place, and of course no record, and, as the communion
has not been administered, the number of communicants can not
be reported. I have officiated in Jericho and Milton alternately.
I have met with as much encouragement as could reasonably be
expected. Articles of association for organizing a parish in each
212 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
place have been prepared and signed ; and I trust with the bless-
ings of God the church will ere long be firmly established here
in its purity and integrity."
Monday, July 10, 1843, the Bishop Right Rev. John Henry
Hopkins, D. D., visited this church, preaching in the Congrega-
tional house of worship, and confirmed 5 persons. There were
reported 9 families comprising 18 adults and 14 children, and
the number of communicants 9. Public services once in four
weeks with exceptions. It was stated : "The congregation is still
quite small and will probably continue so until a church edifice
can be erected, of which, however, there is no immediate pros-
pect." The lay delegate at the convention that year was Orville
Shaw. The following year Mr. Bostwick had left and no report
was received.
In 1845 Arthur Bostwick was serving as lay-reader. The
services were morning prayer and reading of a sermon on Sun-
days, after which the children were instructed in the catechism.
Phineas Atwater was lay-delegate to the convention. Two years
later the number of families had increased to 11 and the com-
municants to 15. The people met in a private room every Sun-
day for lay-reading, a melodeon had been purchased and over $50
raised. The enterprise was "strong in the zeal of a few devoted
Christian people."
In 1851 efiForts to raise funds to erect a church edifice were
reported, in 1853 a lot was purchased, in 1854 the frame had
been put up and the outside neatly finished, but the building was
not reported as completed till 1857. On June 18, 1857, it was
consecrated by the bishop. The total cost was $2,200, on which a
debt of about $100 rested. It accommodated about 100 and seats
were free. The erection of the edifice was due largely to the
former labors of Rev. S. B. Bostwick and his family connections.
Three years later it was free from debt.
The largest number of families reported in any year has been
20 in 1858, 1876 and 1877 ; the greatest number of communicants
24 in 1857.
Soon after the consecration of the edifice. Rev. W. C. Hop-
kins, son of the bishop, officiated as rector semi-monthly for six
months. He was followed by Rev. J. Isham Bliss, who held two
services every other Sunday from Sept., 1858, for three or four
"'•>"
^#%
^
HISTORY OF, JERICHO, VERMONT. 213
years, and in 1863 renewed his. ministrations for awhile. In 1868
Rev. Josiah Swett, D. D. was officiating a part of the time, and
on other Sundays lay-reading called the people together. In
1869 four hundred dollars was paid toward the rector's salary.
From 1876 to 1901 Rev. Gemont Graves, who resided in Burling-
ton, served as missionary to a circuit of churches, which at first
included Cambridge, Essex Junction, Winooski and Shelburne
as well as Jericho. The number of Sundays upon which services
have been held has varied from one to three a month, but some-
times in the summer when visitors were staying at the hotel they
may have taken place every Sunday. The prosperity of the church
was quite dependent upon summer visitors, and, when the hotel
was burned in 1891, that source of aid departed. Since then ser-
vices have not been frequent. No one is reported in charge of
the church since 1901.
In 1860 a complete communion service was presented by
ladies of St. James' Church, Fort Edward, N. Y.; in 1882 St.
Paul's Church, Burlington, gave a lectern and two prayer desks,
and later prayer books and other gifts came from the same source.
In 1877 a small organ was procured and funds were raised for
painting the church which was done again in 1889. Repairs have
been made at various times, and in 1889 a memorial window for
Mrs. Dr. Winslow of Staten Island, a liberal donor, was placed.
The following names of officers appear upon the diocesan
records : Rufus Brown, William Thorpe, S. B. Bliss, C. R. Brown,
Mrs. G. B. Bliss, Mrs. S. F. B. Wells, Ira Hawley, L. C. Stevens.
Chapter V.
METHODIST CHURCH IN VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE.
The church building of this organization being located within
the town of Jericho, the history of the church properly belongs
to this volume. The land on which the edifice stands was deeded
by Luther Brown of Jericho, to Franklin Woodworth of Under-
bill, Reuben Lee, Albert Gleason and Hiram Day of Jericho,
Stewards of the Essex Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
15
214 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Feb. 14, 1856. The land comprised about one-fourth of an acre,
and the consideration was $100.
The records of the first quarterly conference for Underbill
Circuit held at Underbill July 10, 1858, Rev. J. C. Wells, Presiding
Elder, having charge, report the following officers: Rev. Ben-
jamin Cox, Circuit Preacher; Rev. J. S. Rowland, Local
Preacher; A. S. Mears, Exhorter; Luther Brown, John Story,
William H. Whitcomb, O. G. Gleason, John Lee, James Bent,
J. H. Fairchild, E. Hatch, Leaders; S. M. Mead, Hiram Day,
Reuben Lee, Nathaniel Haniford, Hiram Martin, Stewards. To
this number J. C. Goodhue was added as Steward. A Negotiating
Committee on parsonage property was ' appointed. At the next
meeting the Stewards were directed to collect $29 due on parson-
age furniture, and this was apportioned as follows: The Flats
$12, Center $6, Bolton and Lee River $8, Jericho Center $3.
In 1859 the preacher's salary was apportioned in the follow-
ing way: The Flats $225, Center $100, Jericho Corners $60, Lee
River $39, Bolton $40. Total $464. Later in the year this was
revised and increased so as to stand: The Flats $230; Jericho
Corners $150, Underbill Center $75, North Underbill $60, Bolton
$50, Lee River $35. Total $600.
A part of the time in these early years two preachers were
employed, the names of William A. Hyde, B. F. Livingston, G. A.
Silverstein and N. M. Learned appearing successively as second
preachers, while J. S. Howland acted as local preacher for a num-
ber of years. The roll of preachers in charge from 1858 to the
present time is here given with the date of beginning wor^ :
Benjamin Cox, 1858. Born, 1817 at Monkton.
A. H. Honsinger, 1859. Died at Troy, N. Y., 1899 aged 78.
An enthusiastic and well beloved preacher.
Albert B. Truax, 1861. Died 1897, aged 62. Presiding
elder six years. Of rare social qualities. Preached the last Sab-
bath of his life.
Elisha B. Hafif, 1863.
C. F. Garvin, 1865.
D. Austin, 1867.
John Lawrence, 1868.
J. E. Kimball, 1869.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Jekicho Village.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Riveeside, Vt.
HISTORY OF JER1C5H0, VERMONT. 216
A. S. Cooper, 1869. Died 1884, aged 76. Had frequent re-
vivals.
James H. Hale, 1870. Died 1880. Though an asthmatic,
he was invariably able to preach on the Sabbath.
S. Chartier, 1871.
J. Halpenny, 1872.
D. P. Bragg, 1874.
Seymour C. Vail, 1877. Born 1844. Address, Corinth,
N. Y.
Joseph W. Guernsey, 1880. Died 1894, aged 73.
C. E. Scott, 1883. To South America as missionary.
A. B. Riggs, 1885.
Lucien E. Taylor, 1888. .
Charles M. Stebbins, 1891.
H. F. Reynolds, 1893.
Sidney S. Brigham, 1895. Born 1836. Address, Fairfax.
Was a captain in Civil War.
D. C. Thatcher, 1898.
Caleb P. Taplin, 1900. Died at Montpelier 1908, aged 75.
44 years in ministry. Died in the harness.
O. L. Barnard, 1903.
A. H. Sturges, 1908.
In 1862 it was voted that Essex be united with the Underbill
Circuit. Jericho Comers was included here from the beginning
of the organization there till 1871 apparently, and then was joined
with the Essex Circuit, which was then by itself, and this con-
tinued till 1896. From that time onward it has been in the Un-
derbill and Jericho charge.
At one time in 1869 it was voted to distribute the labor of
the pastor as follows : at West Bolton once in two weeks in the
morning, Jericho Corners once in two weeks in the afternoon and
evening (or five o'clock), the Flats once in two weeks in the
afternoon, the Center once in four weeks in the morning. North
Underbill, Jericho Center and prayer meeting at the Flats the re-
maining time.
In regard to the spiritual interests of the church there have
been ups and downs, but often a hopeful, courageous attitude. In
1867 it was said that at one preaching station the numbers had
more than doubled and the religious interest had increased. In
216 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VBRIMONT.
1885 the Sunday School at the Flats was increasing in number
and there was an excellent interest in class meetings. with 30 to
50 in attendance. The following year a revival interest had
spread all through the charge. At Underbill Center prayer meet-
ing attendance had risen from 6 or 8 to 30 or 40. During the
three years, 1885-'87, when Rev. A. B. Riggs was the preacher in
charge, over 50 were added to the church on probation. Two
famihes were engaged in Bishop Taylor's South American mis-
sion, and Rev. C. E. Scott had been released from his pastorate
here to enter into that work. The report of the Presiding Elder
said of this period: "Underhill has attained an altitude spirit-
ually which repudiates its. name. Three years of labor scarcely
paralleled in our midst for earnestness have been expended here,
and numbers have been converted. Many have entered the rest
of faith and arduous labor, a debt of $300 on the parsonage has
been provided for, and all the interests of the church are well in
hand." In regard to this debt raising the Presiding Elder preached
a rousing sermon on bringing all the tithes into the storehouse,
and the full amount was pledged on the spot. Again in 1893 there
was a revival period, the pastor being C. M. Stebbins. Mr. Steb-
bins called to his aid two consecrated young women, and during
the meetings about 160 professed saving faith in Christ. He was
able to report 72 probationers and 106 full members. At an ear-
lier time, 1862, the membership was much larger, 11 probationers
and 190 full members, but Jericho Corners was then included in
the charge and probably was in a flourishing state. In 1894 there
were reported 175 to 180 families that favor the Methodist
Church in this charge residing in Underhill, Bolton, Jericho,
Westford and Cambridge. At that time the average attendance
at preaching service, aside from special days like Children's Day
when it was 200 and G. A. R. Day when it was 350, was 90 to
97 at the Flats, and at the Center 35 while on Children's, Day it
was 120. At another time the pastor, who was in poor health,
was greatly worried over conditions and complained of the ab-
sence of some of the stewards from his meetings.
Repairs were made upon the property at various times. In
1889 forty to fifty dollars was laid out in repairs on the parson-
age, and in 1894, $350 in repairing the church at the Center.
Aug. 11, 1906, the meeting house at the Flats was burned. The
mSTORY OF JBRIOHO, VERMONT. 217
insurance was $1400. Rev. O. L. Barnard, the pastor, was ap-
pointed a committee to solicit funds for a new church and served
also as chairman and treasurer of the Building Committee. His
accounts were audited and found correct. The cost of the new
building, furnishings, sheds, etc., was about $2,750, there being an
indebtedness of $273, April 1, 1907. In 1912 a gift of $1,000
was received from Dr. A. F. Burdick, the interest to be used for
preaching. The salaries of preachers have ranged from $400 to
$600, the use of the parsonage recijoned at $100 being additional.
At the present time the value of the church at the Flats is esti-
mated as $3,000 and that of the parsonage $1,500. The member-
ship of the churches of the charge is, Probationers 5, Full Mem-
bers 106. The benevolences reported in 1913 were $115. Rev.
A. H. Sturges, the present pastor, was born in Fairfield, April 7,
1864, and entered the ministry in 1901. His first charge was
Binghamville, from which he came to Underbill. Here he has
proved so acceptable a pastor that he has been retained for his
eighth year, the longest pastorate on record here.
Chapter VI.
METHODIST CHURCH, JERICHO CORNERS.
The history of this church is bound up with those at Under-
bill and Essex, it having been a part of the Underbill charge from
its beginning to 1871. From that time, though not continuously, till
1896 it belonged to th? Essex circuit, but then returned to its con-
nection with Underbill, the charge being called that of Underbill
and Jericho. This arrangement continues to the present day.
In 1858, there being a goodly number of Methodists in town,
a movement was started by Addison Ford and others to obtain
subscriptions to build a Methodist meeting house. These sub-
scriptions were to be paid to the Prudential Committee of the
Jericho Corner Meeting House Society, which committee was to
be appointed on the second Tuesday of March, 1858. One
thousand two hundred and eighty-five dollars subscribed in
amounts running from $5 to $115, a part of it being payable in
218 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
work. The subscribers were to have the value of their payments
in pews. The Baptist building project being on foot at the same
time, there was some rivalry between the two organizations.
The Hst of pastors is the same as given for Underbill down
to 1871, when it was resolved by this part of the charge not to
accept the supply sent by the Presiding Elder. That year and the
following it was supplied by C. H. Dunton, afterward principal
of Troy Conference Academy at Poultney. At some time Prof.
Petty of the University supplied acceptably union meetings held
by this church and the Congregational, and it was probably in
1873. In 1874 O. S. Basford was the preacher. From 1875 to
1896 with the exception of one or two years Essex and Jericho
constituted a charge and employed the same minister. The list
for this period is as follows :
Sylvester Donaldson, 1875. Died in 1912, aged 74. Vigor-
ous and zealous, a preacher for half a century. In his last years
he daily read the Scriptures in Hebrew and Greek. Presiding
Elder six years.
Austin Scribner, 1876. Died at Lyndon 1895, aged 59.
O. S. Basford, 1879.
Joseph W. Guernsey, 1881. Died at Rutland 1894, aged 73.
Presiding Elder '71-'74. Last eleven years of his life Chaplain
of the House of Correction.
Sylvester Donaldson, 1882.
Nathan W. Wilder, 1883. Born 1835. Address, Water-
town, Ct.
Clark Wedgeworth, 1886. Died 1904 at Swanton, aged 66.
Martin P. Bell, 1888. Died 1891 at Craftsbury, aged 58.
Positive in convictions. "Every sermon a gospel temperance
sermon."
Church Tabor, 1889. Died 1896, aged 60. Converted at
the same time as S. Donaldson, who afterward married his sis-
ter. Presiding Elder 78-'82. The people of his last charge be-
lieved they never were served so well.
Albert B. Blake, 1892. Born 1842. Address, Barton.
No appointment 1895, but S. S. Brigham who began this year
at Underbill is recorded as supplying both churches in 1896.
From this time they again constitute one charge, and for subse-
quent pastors see Underbill Methodist Church.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 219
Few particulars have been found specifically relating to the
Jericho Church. At one time it was said that Essex and Jericho
are good fields for remunerative labor and that earnest work had
been done, at another time that these churches were loyal to the
doctrine and economy of Methodism.
December 23, 1867, a meeting of the society convened and
appointed a committee consisting of Charles Hilton, C. K. Butler
and A. M. Ford, to draft a new constitution and by-laws,
the original records having been destroyed by fire. The new con-
stitution reported was adopted, and it was also voted to sell the
parsonage property and pay the proceeds to the treasurer. Nov.
16, 1877, it was voted to build a new chimney and make other
necessary repairs. Jan. 27, 1880, it was voted to repair the in-
side of the meeting house during the coming season, and the next
year it was voted to repair the house to make it comfortable. In
1893 $60 was spent in repairs. Oct. 4, 1898, it was "voted by a
unanimous vote to deed and convey the Methodist Episcopal meet-
ing house and grounds for the consideration of one dollar to the
Methodist Episcopal Church in trust for the use and benefit of
the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church
pursuant to article second of the warning." The Prudential Com-
mittee, Homer Rawson, A. D. Cochran and John Schillhammer
were authorized and directed to deed the property. This deed
has never been recorded. The value of the edifice is estimated at
$2,000.
The interests of this church have been so identified with
those of Underbill that its history is largely included therein.
Chapter VII.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, JERICHO CENTER.
Hemenway's Gazetteer states that Universalists were among
the first settlers, represented by such names as Thompson, Gloyd
and Dow, and that there was preaching of their doctrine at an
early time. Some of their services were held in the Academy
building. On Feb. 18, 1843, a constitution was drawn up for a
220 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Universalist Society, whose subscribers declared themselves as
believers in the universal love and impartial grace of God. The
condition of membership was thus stated: "Any person who
is of a good moral character may become a member of this so-
ciety, and shall sign the constitution when admitted to member-
ship by the society in such manner as they shall establish by
vote." Rev. Thomas Browning is said in Child's Gazetteer to
have organized the society with 31 members. The constitution
has been signed at various times by 78 males and 41 females, 119
in all. At the time of organization Lyman Stimpson was chosen
Pres., J. G. Goodhue, Vice-Pres., J. K. Hunt, Sec'y and Treas.
Orley Thompson, Galusha Day and Edwin K. Blodgett, Com-
mittee.
The following year a committee was appointed to obtain
funds by subscription to erect a meeting house, and another com-
mittee was elected to ascertain the most expedient way and most
convenient construction and size for building the house. Sept.
6, 1845, it was resolved to commence the building as early as
possible in the spring of 1846, and a building committee was
chosen consisting of Orley Thompson, J. G. Goodhue and M.
Shaw. The house was dedicated Aug. 31, 1847, Rev. Eli Bal-
lon, editor of the Universalist Watchman, preaching the sermon.
In 1848 an effort was made to raise money to pay for land ad-
ditional to the original purchase on which the meeting house
stood. In 1857 a committee was chosen to build sheds. The
records contain the names of those elected to the office of the
society each year, and the names of delegates to the Champlain
Association and the State Convention, but do not give any re-
ports of things done. The writer would gladly give fuller de-
tails, but fhe data are meager. Inquiry of former attendants
reveals a few facts.
It became the practice to have preaching services once in
two weeks, both forenoon and afternoon, the preacher officiating
alternate Sabbaths at Essex or Williston or some other place.
It is believed that but two or three of the ministers lived in town.
The attendants were widely scattered, but in the prosperous days
of the church large family loads would come from several miles
away. As was common in those days, much stress was laid upon
the special tenets of the denomination. A unique feature was
Univeesalist Cbubch, Jericho CENTEat.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VBRfMONT. 221
the illuminations of the meeting house at Christmas time, when
it was trimmed with evergreenSj and boards holding candles
were placed along every other tier of panes of the long high win-
dows. The choir would sing, and responses were made by some
one chosen for the purpose, and presents were given to the mem-
bers of the Sunday School. One of these illuminations in 1869
is particularly remembered.
Rev. Silas Wakefield prepared an elaborate celebration one
winter, for which many and careful rehearsals were held. There
was speaking and singing by the children, dialogues and instru-
mental music, and upon a platform over the pulpit little girls
dressed in white appeared as angels. Lyman Stimson was for
many years the choir leader and Hoyt Chambers superintendent
of the Sunday School.
The following is believed to be very nearly the order in
which the regular ministers served :
Silas Wakefield, 1847-48.
Thomas Browning of Richmond, Nov., 1848. Born in Rut-
land, Mass., March 21, 1787, the eldest of thirteen children. In
eairly life a Methodist. Ordained when forty years of age.
Preached at Waterbury, then at Richmond, 1834-46. Said to be
founder of the Universalist Church here. Represented Rich-
mond in Legislature. Married Persis Ross. Ten children. Died
in Richmond, March 12, 1875.
P. Hersey, 1849.
Alson Scott, 1850-56. Born at Halifax,. Vt., April 11, 1816.
In the spring of .1850 moved to Jericho, preaching also at other
places and teaching school in District No. 4.
S. C. Eaton, 1856-57. Came from Glover Saturdays for
about a year.
Lester Warren, who drove from Montpelier Saturdays.
Silas Wakefield, 1860 and '61, who lived where H. H. Wilder
does now.
Joseph Sargent, who lived in Williston, and become chaplain
of the 13th Regiment of Vt., and died of typhoid fever in Va.
April 20, 1863, aged about 45. He was probably not a regular
preacher here.
C. C. Thornton, 1865. Lived in Essex.
Hervey Elkins. Lived in Williston.
222 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Lester Warren, 1867-69. A. second time.
The Champlain Association met with this church in Octo-
ber, 1847, for a two-day conference, and it is noted that seven
discourses were preached.
After 1870 or 1871 no regular services were held. In 1904 the
property was deeded to the Universalist Convention of Vermont
and Province of Quebec. Later it was sold to T. L. Bostwick
for a novelty shop, then passed into the hands of E. H. Smith,
who carried on the same business, and afterward was bought by
the Ladies' Aid Society of the Congregational Church, who
plan to make it a suitable village hall.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 223
PART FIFTH.
PROFESSIONAL MEN FROM JERICHO.
Chapter I.
Ministers.
natives of jericho who have entered the ministry.
By Rev. S. H. Barnum.
For convenience of reference these are named in alphabetical
order. Possibly there are others.
*Almon Benson. Congregational; b. June 3, 1810; son of
Ebenezer and Cynthia (Gloyd) Benson. Graduated at Gilman-
ton, N. H., Theological Seminary, 1840 ; ordained at Center Har-
bor, N. H., Dec. 23, 1840; dismissed Nov. 10, 1863; without
charge, there till death, Sept. 13, 1884; m. May 11, 1841, Julietta,
dau. of Joseph and Silence (Richards) Kingsbury of Frances-
town, N. H., who d. Jan. 11, 1843 ; m. March 13, 1845 Rhoda A.,
dau. of Samuel J. and Nancy (Cowles) Roys of Landaff, N. H. ;
one son and three dau.
*Samuel Breck Bostwick. Episcopal; b. March 10, 1815;
son of Arthur Bostwick, Esq.; d. March 16, 1881. The Bishop
said at his funeral, "Four churches sprung up in the footprints of
his missionary journey." Received the degree of S. T. D. from
Columbia University. (See Bostwick Family.)
*Zina H. Brown. Methodist; b. Dec. 27, 1804; son of
Charles and grandson of Joseph, one of the original settlers;
converted at the age of 19 ; licensed as an exhorter in 1840 and
as a local preacher in 1843 ; ordained Deacon in 1848 and Elder
in 1850; labored in Fairfax, Sheldon, Bakersfield and Enosburgh,
Sheldon again, Swanton, Franklin, Williston, Ferrisburgh, Bran-
224 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
don, Starksboro, Essex, Cambridge and Stowe. In 1864 he was
appointed to the charge of St. Albans District, which he occupied
two years, when his health failed ; d. at Underbill, April 23, 1867.
"His sermons were perspicuous, instructive, dignified and chaste.
He was a Methodist of the old stamp, a lover of the peculiarities
and institutions of the Church ; he was open and manly in main-
taining what he believed to be right and in opposing what he re-
garded wrong."
* Calvin Butler. Presbyterian; b. May 23, 1797; son of
Reuben and Laura (Rood) Butler. Graduated at Middlebury
College 1824 and at Andover Seminary 1827; ordained by Wa-
bash Presbytery in 1827, and was home missionary at Princeton
and Evansville, Ind, 1827-1831 ; pastor Pres. Churches at Evans-
ville, Washington and Boonville, Ind., and at Maine, 111., where
he d. Nov. 2, 1854 ; m. twice ; nine children who survived infancy.
"His death was very sudden. He retired apparently in good
health ; awoke about three o'clock, conversed a few moments,
when his breathing became unnatural and he immediately ex-
pired."
^Walter Clayton Clapp. Episcopal ; b. 1861 ; son of Simeon
W. and Lorenda (Mead) Clapp; moved to Providence, R. I.,
about 1867, and shortly after to Boston. Graduated at Amherst
'83; studied medicine one year, taught a year, and entered Gen.
Theol. Seminary of the Episcopal Church; was ordained Dea-
con in '87 and Priest in '88; was engaged in work in Baltimore;
as instructor at Nashotah Seminary, Wis., in Philadelphia, in
Toledo ; as missionary for eleven years in Philippines ; and since
return in 1912 as Rector of Christ Church, Danville, Pa. D.
Sept. 17, 1915.
* Hiram Harlow Dixon. Congregational; b. June 1, 1818;
son of Gideon O. and Esther (Woodruff) Dixon. Studied at
Jericho Academy and at Farmington (Ohio) Academy; taught in
public and private schools in Vt., N. Y., O., and III, 1832-48;
studied theology privately; preached at Underbill and at W.
Stockholm, N. Y., and, after ordination on Feb. 23, 1852, at
Johnstown, Fox Lake, Alto, W. Rosendale and Metomen, all in
Wis.; gave up regular preaching on account of ill health in 1870
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 225
and resided at Ripon, then at Whitewater, Wis., from 1889 till
death Oct. 18, 1905, at the age of 87; m. in Underhill, Sarepta
Ann, dau. of Samuel and Amanda (Bicknell) Wells, who d. at
Whitewater, May 30, 1899; three children; member of Vt.
Legislature in 1848 and 1849 and author of the first homestead
exemption law of that state; was advisory member of Executive
Committee of Ripon College.
Carleton Hasen. Congregational ; b. June 14, 1865 ; second
son of Rev. Austin and Mary Jane (Carleton) Hazen. Fitted
for college in the old academy, at Essex Classical Institute and
Burlington High School ; graduated at U. V. M. at the head of
his class in 1888, and at Hartford Theological Seminary in 1891 ;
preached at Rochester, Vt., 1891-99; West Rutland, 1900-04;
Portland, Ct., 1904-09; Kensington, Ct., 1909 to date; ordained at
Rochester, Vt., 1892, his father preaching the sermon; m. Julia
Trask of Rochester and has two sons.
Frank William Hasen. Congregational; b. Jan. 7, 1869;
fourth son of Rev. Austin and Mary J. C. Hazen. Attended
Jericho Academy; fitted for college at Essex and Burlington;
graduated U. V. M. 1890; taught in Island Pond High School
1890-91, in Craftsbury Academy 1891-94; was examiner of
teachers for Orleans County, 1892-94; graduated at Hartford
Theological Seminary 1897; was Pastor at Gaysville and Pitts-
field, Vt., 1897-1902, being ordained at the latter place in 1897 ;
Pastor at Middletown Springs, 1902-04; Assistant Pastor of
First Church, Meriden, Ct., 1904-06 ; Pastor at Falmouth, Mass.,
1906-1912, and at Johnson, Vt., 1912 to date ; m. Sept. 28, 1904,
Mary Crafts Paddock at North Craftsbury; three children.
William Hazen. Congregational; b. Nov. 3, 1870; fifth son
of Rev. Austin and Mary J. C. Hazen. Fitted for college at
Deerfield, Mass. ; graduated at U. V. M. 1893 ; taught at Hyde
Park, (Vt.), High School, 1893-94; graduated at Hartford
Theological Seminary 1897 ; was Pastor at Sherburne, Vt., 1897-
99, being ordained there in 1897; student at Yale Divinity
School 1899-1900, receiving degree of M. A.; missionary of A.
B. C. F. M. in Marathi Mission, India, 1900 to date, and is now
stationed at Bombay; m. 1907, Miss Florence Hartt.
226 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
*George Hilton.. Methodist; b. May 29, 1879; son of
Birney and Elizabeth Hilton. Educated at South California
University; ordained in 1911; preached in California; m. Mrs.
Agnes (Sands) Nichols; no children; d. May 13, 1912.
Frederick Lucas Kingsbury. Congregational; b. in the
"Willey House" March 10, 1850; son of Joseph and Eliza S.
(Whitcomb) Kingsbury; moved to Norwich, Vt., 1868. Grad-
uated at Dartmouth College 1875; studied medicine at Dart-
mouth and U. V. M., graduating from the latter; practiced at
Waterbury, Vt., till 1880, then at Samokov, Bulgaria as Medical
Missionary of the American Board, 1881-99; ordained to min-
istry at Norwich, Vt. ; at Clifton Springs Sanitarium 1899-1905;
supplied Hyde Park Church, St. Louis; was Pastor, Ventura,
Cal, 1906-10; since then occasional supply; lived two years at
Boulder, Col. ; m. Feb. 27, 1878 Luella Laughton Olds of Nor-
wich, Vt. ; two children, Joseph Lyman, teacher of history at
State Normal School, Kirksville, Mo.; and Margaret Lucy, who
m. Prof. Francis S. Foote, Jr., of Univ. of Cal.; translated an
astronomy and physiology into Bulgarian; present address: 844
W. 76th St., Los Angeles, Cal.
George B. Lane. Methodist ; b. July 10, 1871 ; son of
Lorenzo and Esther Lane. Educated at School for Christian
Workers, Springfield, Mass.; ordained Deacon 1906, and Elder
1908 ; pastorates at Scotch Bush, West Caton and East Syracuse,
N. Y., Clarenceville, P. Q., and since Sept., 1912, at Bolton, N.
Y. ; m. Geneva Parmenter, by whom one child; second Florence
Slater by whom five children.
*Samuel Augustus Lee. Congregational and Presbyterian;
b. July 20, 1805 ; son of Linus and Phebe Lee. Graduated U.
V. M. 1831, and Auburn Seminary 1834; ordained 1834;
preached for short terms for Congregational Churches at
Cazenovia, N. Y., Medina, O., and Claridon, O., and then for
Presbyterian Churches at Mantua and Streetsboro, O. ; d. at
Hudson, O., Jan. 28, 1866; m. Susan Hyde, who survived him
with five children.
*Anson Rood. Congregational and Presbyterian ; b. March
19, 1802; son of Deacon Thomas D. and Sarah (Bradley) Rood.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 227
Graduated Middlebury College, 1825; studied a year each in
Princeton, Andover and Yale Seminaries; Pastor at Danbury,
Conn., 1828-37, being ordained in 1829; removing to Philadel-
phia he was Pastor of a Presbyterian Church 12 years, associate
editor of the North American two years, then was in teaching
and philanthropic work from 1851 till death, Nov. 27, 1857 ; m.
Alida G. Ogden, March 3, 1828; five children.
*Heman Rood, D. D. Congregational; b. Jan. 29, 1795;
•son of Deacon Thomas D. and Sarah B. Rood, older brother of
Anson, and grandson of Deacon Azariah Rood, who was one
of the first settlers and a charter member of the First Congrega-
tional Church. Preparatory study at Shoreham and Middle-
bury; graduated at Middlebury College 1819; taught three years;
graduated at Andover Theological Seminary 1825 ; ordained
1826 ; Pastor at Gilmanton, N. H., and New Milf ord, Ct. ; Pro-
fessor at Gilmanton Theological Seminary ; Teacher at Haverhill,
N. H. ; Acting Pastor at Quechee and Hartland, Vt. ; without
charge at Hanover, N. H. and Westfield, N. Y. ; d. at Westfield
of old age June 8, 1882; Middlebury College conferred the de-
gree of D. D. ; m. Nov. 29, 1827, Frances S. Moody, of Gilman-
ton, N. H. ; five children.
*Ashbel Shipley Wells. Presbyterian and Congregational;
b. Dec. 3, 1798 ; son of Shipley and Dorothea (Randall) Wells ;
united with Congregational Church in Jackson, Me., July, 1816.
Graduated Hamilton College 1824 and Auburn Seminary 1827;
ordained at Utica, N. Y., 1828; preached in Ind., Mich., and
Iowa, and for several years was agent of missionary societies;
in U. S. Christian Commission at St. Louis, 1863-64; made his
home at Fairfield, lo., from 1859 till his death, Oct. 30, 1882 ; m.
March 24, 1828 Sophia Hastings.
Earl Morse Wilbur, D. D. Unitarian; b. 1866; son of
Lafayette and Mercy Jane (Morse) Wilbur. (See Wilbur fam-
ily).
The following clergymen, though not born in Jericho, were
here in childhood or youth, and hence this town has a claim upon
them :
228 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
*Lester H. Elliot. Congregational; b. in Croydon, N. H.,
Aug. 1, 1835; son of Deacon Ezra and Eliza (Hall) Elliot, who
moved here during his childhood; d. July 20, 1907, at Water-
bury; most of his ministerial life was given to Vermont, where
he was widely known and influential. (See Elliot family).
^Stephen G. Emerson. Congregational; son of Rev. John
D. and Elizabeth F. Emerson; his father preached for Second
Congregational Church, 1877-82. Graduated at Dartmouth
1887, and at Oberlin Seminary 1890; ordained at Oakland, Cal.,"
1890 ; his ministry has been in California, and for 6 years Pastor
of Logan Heights Congregational Church, San Diego, Cal. D.
Jan., 1916, at Prescott, Ariz.
David Foster Estes, D. D. Baptist; b. in Auburn, Me.,
October 18, 1851 ; son of Rev. Hiram C. Estes, D. D., Pastor
here in 1862-72. He was graduated from the University of Ver-
mont in 1871 and from the Newton Theological Institution in
1874; a year was also spent, 1878, 1879, in study at the Uni-
versity of Gottingen, Germany ; he was ordained at Manchester,
Vt., August ■19th, 1874, and was Pastor there from 1874 to 1876;
at Belfast, Me., from 1876 to 1878; and at Vergennes, Vt., from
1880 to 1883 ; he was a teacher in the Atlanta Baptist Seminary,
Atlanta, Ga., from 1883 to 1886, and Acting Principal of the
same; he was pastor at Holden, Mass., from 1886 to 1891. Oc-
tober 1, 1891, he became Professor of New Testament Inter-
pretation in the Theological Seminary 'in connection with Col-
gate University, at Hamilton, N. Y. ; he has also served as Uni-
versity Librarian since 1898; he received the degree of D. D.
from the University of Vermont in 1896. He is the author of
"The History of Holden, Mass.," (1894) and "An Outline of
New Testament Theology," (1900). He m. May 12, 1880, Ef-
figene Lydia, only dau. of Truman C. and Angeline O. (Bishop)
Galusha, b. Sept. 14th, 1858. They have one son, Walter Dal-
ton Estes, b. in Vergennes, July 22, 1881, a graduate of Colgate
University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and for
some years engaged in scientific work in Chicago.
Austin Hasen, Jr. Congregational; b. in Norwich, Vt.,
Sept. 20, 1863 ; oldest son of Rev. Austin and Mary J. C. Hazen.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 229
Attended Jericho Academy and studied in Middletown, Ct.;
graduated at U. V. M. 1885 ; taught in Waterbury High School
1885-86; was in a drug store in Barre 1887-90; graduated at
Hartford Theological Seminary 1893 ; held a fellowship in Ger-
many 1893-95; preached in various places till he was ordained
at Thomaston, Ct., where he preached till 1911; since then he
has been Vice-President and Treasurer of Tougaloo University,
Miss.; m. and has two children.
George Washington Henderson, D. D. Congregational; b.
in Clark Co., Va., Nov. 16, 1850; was brought here at the close
of the Civil War by an officer and showed himself possessed of
unusual ability. Attended Underbill Academy; graduated U.
V. M. 1877; taught in select school in Jericho Academy and at
Craftsbury Academy 1877-80 and 1886-88; graduated at Yale
Divinity School 1883 ; gained Hooker Fellowship and studied at
Berlin; ordained 1888; Professor Straight University, New Or-
leans; pastor University Church in the same city 1890-1904;
professor in Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., 1905 to date;
was assistant Moderator of the National Council of Congrega-
tional Churches in 1895.
*John Denison Kingsbury, D. D. Congregational; b. in
Hanover, N. H., Apr. 19, 1831 ; son of Joseph and Eliza S.
(Whitcomb) Kingsbury, and older brother of Rev. Fred L. ;
spent boyhood in Jericho. Attended Bakersfield Academy, U.
V. M. 1852, Andover Theological Seminary 1856; ordained at
Brandon 1856. Pastorates, Brandon, 1856-60; Winooski, 1860-
66; Bradford, Mass., 1866-1901; pastor emeritus at Bradford,
1901 till death. Degree of D. D. conferred by U. V. M. ; pub-
lished Memorial History of Bradford; m. Feb. 5, 1861, at Bran-
don, Charlotte M. Field; four children; d. Nov. 11, 1908, at
Bradford, of heart trouble, aged 77 ; in 1889 he was sent by the
Congregational H. M. S. to Cuba on a tour of exploration. In
1901 at 70 years of age he took up a traveling superintendency of
home missions in Idaho, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. "It
was wonderfully interesting and inspiring to see this old man,
laden with years, but young in enthusiasm and sympathy, going
about over his 'vast realm,' as he loved to call it, shepherding
his flock. Everybody loved him, everybody trusted him. With him
16
230 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
always went the serenity of Christian faith and the warmth of
Christian love." Another estimate says : "His work at Bradford
was eminently succesful; he was regarded by his parishioners
as the most eloquent preacher of that region; but the activity of
his later years, in his oversight of home missions at the West,
drew the admiring attention of his friends and the friends of
missions. It was distinctively progressive and successful. It
was a glorious seven years' campaign, fittingly crowning a de-
voted life."
*Eugene J. Ranslow. Congregational; b. in Georgia, Vt.,
Oct. 21, 1842; son of Rev. George Washington and Anna M.
(Parmalee) Ranslow. Educated in Underbill Academy, Mid-
dlebury College 1866, and Auburn Seminary 1869. His college
course was interrupted by a year's service, 1864-1865, in the U.
S. Navy; ordained 1869. Pastorates, Swanton, 1869-75; Wells
River, 1875-88; Swanton again 1888-1909; later he preached
summers at Underbill and Jericho, Bristol and Danville, and
winters at Seabreeze, Florida; m. Ellen Eliza Kingsbury, sister
of Rev. John D. and Fred L., May 11, 1869; four children sur-
vive; m. 2 Miss Cynthia Laura Marvin. He d. May 28, 1914,
at Seabreeze, Fla.
His father. Rev. George, preached for 50 years and his
maternal grandfather. Rev. Simeon Parmalee, for 60 years, mak-
ing a continuous ministry of 155 years in the family. "He was
a versatile man, of ready address on platform or in pulpit, wield-
ing a trenchant pen, and commanding attention on matters of
public interest by his flashes of wit and keen retort. He was
skilled in agriculture and at times extensively engaged therein.
His army experience brought him into intimate relations with his
comrades."
Chapter II.
LAWYERS.
The following lawyers as far as has been learned, were
bom in town or lived here during a part of their early life : '
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 231
Charles T. Barney, b. Jan., 1859 ; son of Truman B. Barney ;
now at Ada, Oklahoma. (See Barney family).
*John D. Bicknell, b. 1838; son of Nathaniel and Fanny
(Thompson) Bicknell, and older brother of Dr. Fred T. He
taught successfully in Wis. and Mo. ; studied law and practiced
in Mo.; conducted a party overland to California; practiced in
Los Angeles; m. Dec. 26, 1866, E. Maria Hatch; d. 1911.
*Tliomas Chittenden, b. here 1788; grandson of Gov.
Thomas Chittenden. Graduated U. V. M. 1809; merchant here
1813 ; lawyer, farmer, lived in Granville, O. ; d. at the home of
his son at Benton, Wis., April 20, 1868.
Washington Spencer Cilley, b. here June 26, 1840. Fitted
for college under Rev. S. L. Bates, entered U. V. M. from
Jericho and graduated 1867 ; took lawyer's degree at University
of Mich. 1869. Address: 1015 Sixteenth Ave., S. E., Min-
neapolis, Minn.
Alric O. Colton, b. 1851 ; son of Frank and Submit (Has-
kins), Colton. Educated in Cal. ; located in San Francisco.
Hamlin Eastman, now in Nebraska.
Andrew J. Hale, son of Stephen Hale; at Beatrice, Neb.
(See Hale family).
James J. Leary, h. July 22, 1871 ; son of Moses and Catherine
(Cassidy) Leary. Educated at Johnson Normal and a law
school in Boston ; is a judge at Turner's Falls, Mass. ; m. Mar-
garet Moran of Amherst, Mass.; no children. (See Leary
family) .
Matthew G. Leary, brother of James; b. here May 5, 1873.
Studied at Green Mountain Seminary, Waterbury Center ; taught
school; studied law with C. F. Clough at Waterbury and with
Farrington and Post, St. Albans ; admitted to bar 1899 ; practiced
at Richmond till 1902, since in Burlington ; State's Attorney for
County 1902-04; represented Burlington in Legislature 1908;
secretary Democratic State Committee 1908; a Roman Catholic;
past chancellor and present grand Knight, Knights of Columbus ;
232 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
m. in 1905 Maude E: Gleason of Richmond; two children. (See
Leary family).
*Aaron Burr Maynard, b. Peru, Oct. 22, 1816; came here
when a boy, fitted for college at Jericho Academy, entered U.
V. M. in class of '40; taught select school at Comers; was ad-
mitted to bar in '42; practiced in Richmond and Detroit, Mich;
was U. S. District Attorney; m. Julia Edmunds, sister of Sen-
ator Geo. F. Edmunds ; d. at Romeo, Mich., July 24, 1891.
George N. Nay, h. Milton ; son of T. G. and Clara M. Nay
(See Nay family).
Cornelius S. Palmer- Born in Underbill, Nov. 2, 1844, son
of Jonah Ferris and Chloe (Mead) Palmer. Educated at Un-
derbill Academy. Admitted to Vermont Bar, 1870; read law
with L. F. Wilbur; practiced law in Jericho previous to 1882;
Sioux Falls, S. D., 1888-1901 ; 1904-1912 member of the law firm
of Palmer and Foster, Burlington. Mr. Foster dying in the latter
year, Mr. Palmer has continued his practice alone. He was
States Attorney Chittenden County, 1876-7; represented Jericho
in the Legislature, 1880; assistant U. S. attorney for Dakota
Territory, 1882-4 ; associate justice of Supreme Court of Dakota,
1884-8; member of State Senate, South Dakota, 1896-7; has been
judge of the City Court, Burlington for five years and resides in
that city. Judge Palmer was a private in Co. F, 13th Vt. In-
fantry and was in the battles of Gettysburg, Fairfax Court House
and Stuart's Raid in 1863. He m. in 1870 Annie R. Fassett of
Jericho, who d., 1901. They had two children: Chloe E. (de-
ceased) and Louie A. In 1905 he m. Mary K. Marshall of New
York City. Judge Palmer is an eloquent speaker and a highly
respected citizen. (See Palmer Family).
*Bradley B. Smalley, b. here Nov. 26, 1836; son of Judge
David A. Smalley. When four years old the family moved to
Burlington ; studied law with his father and was admitted to the
bar in 1863 ; from 1861 to 1885 clerk of U. S. Courts in Ver-
mont; from 1885 to 1889 and again in 1893 Collector of Cus-
toms ; in 1874 and 1878 representative for Burlington in the
Legislature; member of Democratic National Committee from
1873; and from 1876 member of National Executive Com-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 233
mittee; one of World's Fair Commissioners for Vermont; di-
rector of Central Vt. R. R. for a time ; m. June 4, 1864, Caroline
M., dau. of Hon. Carlos Baxter, of Burlington; five children;
d. Nov. 6, 1909.
Ralph Wilbur, b. 1879; son of L. F. and Mercy Jane Wil-
bur; resides at Portland, Ore. (See Wilbur family).
Chapter III.
PHYSICIANS.
These are either natives on residents here in early life. De-
tails at hand in regard to some of them are meagre.
*Bertrand J. Andrews, b. here Jan. 11, 1850; son of Samuel
A. and Rachel M. (Woodruff) Andrews. Attended Bellows
Free Academy, Fairfax, and Franklin Institute, Franklin. ; C. V.
station agent at Bolton three years and at Richmond eleven years ;
graduated U. V. M. medical '85 ; took post-graduate work in
N. Y. '85-'86 and practiced in Richmond three years ; supt. Mary
Fletcher hospital '89-1914 or 25 years and 7 months; became
blind in 1905 ; was secretary and treasurer of the medical college
'93-1905 ; m. Angie F. Baker of Northfield, Sept. 24, '89 ; one son,
B. Fletcher; d. at the hospital Apr. 12, 1915.
*Edwin W. Bartlett, b. here Dec. 20, 1839 ; son of Elias and
Eliza (Wheelock) Bartlett and brother of Homer and Joel; in
class of '65 at U. V. M., a non-graduate ; M. D. in '66 at U. V.
M. Medical; studied in Europe '68-'69; practiced at Milwaukee,
Wis. ; eye specialist ; professor in Milwaukee Medical College ; m.
in 74 Helen F. Ball; five children; d. Sept. 11, 1913.
*Homer L. Bartlett, b. here Oct. 17, 1830; older brother of
Edwin W. ; attended academy at Bakersfield ; M. D. from College
of Physicians and Surgeons, N. Y., '55, having also studied medi-
cine elsewhere ; assistant in Kings County Hospital. In '56 fought
yellow fever scourge at New Utrecht ; from '57 successful practi-
234 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
tioner at Flatbush, L. I., consulting physician to Kings County
Hospital ; specialist in contagious diseases ; public spirited citizen
initiating enterprises; delegate from American Medical Society
to Medical Congress in London 1881 ; prominent Mason and
writer and lecturer on Masonry; author of "Sketches of Long
Island"; in '59 m. Margaret L. Scott of Cooperstown, N. Y.,
who d. in 1876, leaving four children; in '88 m. Harriette F.
Moore of Belfast, Ireland ; one daughter by this marriage, EHza
L., 82 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. ; he d. Feb. 3, 1905.
*Fred T. Bicknell, b. 1842; son of Nathaniel and Fanny
(Thompson) Bicknell; moved with his parents to Wis. when a
boy; enlisted in Co. A, 23rd Wis. Vols, and served through the
war, participating in a score of battles, including Vicksburg; en-
tered Univ. of Wis. in 1865 ; graduated Rush Medical College,
Chicago in 1870; began practice at Neosho, Mo.; post-graduate
course in N. Y. ; practiced at Panamint and Los Angeles, Cal.,
where he was a leader in his profession ; was one of the founders
of Cal. Hospital; m., in 1872 Henrietta Cooper of Lake Mills,
Wis., and after her death m. Carrie E. Fargo of Lake Mills ; one
dau.; d. 1915.
Rufus W. Bishop, b. Apr. 4, 1856; son of Daniel B. Bishop;
graduated at U. V. M. '77 ; studied at Bonn, Vienna, Paris, Lon-
don; took degree of M. D. at Berlin; professor at Northwestern
University; then at Chicago Post-graduate Medical School; con-
nected with St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago; has written medical
monographs.
George D. Buxton, b. Dec. 5, 1873; son of George C. and
Martha A. (Conklin) Buxton ; attended Burlington Business Col-
lege; bookkeeper and stenographer for Dr. W. Seward Webb at
Shelburne nearly ten years ; graduated at U. V. M. medical, 1905 ;
special course at N. Y. hospital; is practicing at Proctorsville ;
member of county, state and American medical societies; health
officer; m. June 14, 1906 Veronica Nichols of Burlington; one
child living. ^
*Loren Chamberlain, h. here about 1840; son of Ezra and
Lavina (Ford) Chamberlain; studied at U. V. M. Medical; prac-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 235
ticed in Richmond and d. there some thirty years ago ; m. Mrs.
Josie (Rhodes) Jones; no children.
Eli Edwin Graves, h. Sept. 9, 1847; son of Daniel H. and
Lusetta R. (Nash) Graves; Essex Classical Institute; graduated
U. V. M. Medical '68; practiced since in Boscawen and Pena-
cook, N. H. ; physician at Merrimack Co. Almshouse 17 years ;
necrologist of N. H. Medical Society many years; member of
American Medical and other medical societies ; m. Dec. 18, 1872
Martha A. Williams of Essex, Vt., two children living, one. Dr.
Robert John, b. June 22, 1878, a graduate of Harvard 1900, and
Harvard Medical 1904; is practicing in Concord, N. H. ; is m.
and has three children ; the other, Katharine L. m. Henry C. Rolf
and resides in Penacook.
*Allen Hazen, b. May 12, 1867; son of Rev. Austin and
Mary (Carleton) Hazen; fitted for college at Jericho Academy,
Essex Classical Institute and Burlington High School ; graduated
U. V. M. '88; taught in Cheshire, Mass., '88-'90; was with Berk-
shire Life Insurance Co. '90-'92 ; graduated College of Physicians
and Surgeons, N. Y. '95 ; physician at N. Y. City Hospital '9S-'96;
practiced in N. Y. '97-'03 ; was medical inspector public schools
'97; medical examiner with Mutual Life Insurance Co. '98-'03 ; d.
Nov. 17, '03 ; unmarried.
Robert Hazen, b. Dec. 2, 1872; brother of Allen just men-
tioned ; fitted for college at Mt. Hermon, Mass. ; graduated U. V.
M. '96, U. V. M. Medical '98 ; physician Boston City Hospital '98-
'02; has practiced at Thomaston, Ct. 1902 to date; m. 1904, Helen
C. Gates; two children.
*Edward P. Howe, b. 1835 ; son of Dr. George and Mary
P. Howe ; graduated at Albany Medical College ; practiced about
ten years at Underbill Flats, then at the Corners; d. July 1; 1898.
*Harmon G. Howe, b. Sept. 3, 1850; son of Lucien B. and
and Clara (Galusha) Howe; practiced in Hartford, Ct., where
he attained eminence in his profession; he was killed by a col-
lision of trains at Stamford, Ct., June 12, 1913. (See Howe
faniily).
236 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Frederick Lucas Kingsbury. (See list of ministers).
*Joseph Byron Kingsbury, b. in Braintree July 29, 1834
came with his parents, Joseph and Eliza S. (Whitcomb) Kings
bury, to Jericho when six years old ; engaged in farming at Ran
dolph four years 1865-69, but, turning from that to medicine
graduated at Dartmouth Medical in '71 ; post-graduate work a
Harvard ; practiced at Holbrook, Mass., till his death, March 24
1906; m. in 1859 Elizabeth Julia Eastman, dau. of Amos East
man of Jericho ; four children : Mary, who m. Prof. Fred Lined]
of Boston Conservatory of Music ; George Byron, who graduatet
at Dartmouth 1889 and has the care of the commercial depart
ment of the high school at Hartford, Ct. ; Albert Eastman, whi
also graduated at Dartmouth in '89 ; and Nellie.
Edward Stephen Lane, b. here Oct. 1, 1866; son of Edga
H. and Ellen (Pierce) Lane; educated under Prof. Cilley and a
Burlington High, Vermont Academy and U. V.M. Medical, wher
he graduated in '92); has practiced at Bridgewater and now fol
lows his profession at North Ferrisburg; m. Sept. 11, 1894 lol
A. Mallory of North Ferrisburg, who d. April 29, 1914; thre
children : Mabel Ellen, Edward Harold and Grace Marion.
Patrick F. Leary, b. March 21, 1867; son of Moses ani
Catherine (Cassidy) Leary ; graduated U. V. M. Medical in 1890
in practice at Turner's Falls, Mass. ; m. Emma Batten of Tui
ner's Falls; two children living.
*George Lee Lyman, b. Feb. 23, 1818; son o-f Daniel Lyman
graduated U. V. M. '41 ; taught in Burlington in '41, Hinesbur
'44-'47 and '55-'56, Clarenceville, P. Q. '48-'49; in business J
Charleston, S. C. '50; received M. D. from Pittsfield Medica
School; practiced medicine '58 till death, which was in Jerichc
June 4, 1863; gave master's oration; wrote article on Jericho fc
Hemingway's Gazetteer. (See Lyman Family). .
George B. Packard, b. May 9, 1852; son of Cyrus an
Melissa Packard and brother of Seth M. of this town ; graduate^
U. V. M. Medical '74 ; engaged in hospital work ; practiced i
Hartford, Ct., awhile, then went to Denver, Col., where he coi
tinues medical work; m. June 6, 1883, Carrie Sanbome of Spring
HISTORY OF JBRIOHO, VERMONT. 237
field, N. Y. ; children : Robert G. and George B. Jr., both physi-
cians, and Ruth E., graduate of Wellesley.
Clifford A. Pease, b. July 8, 1874; son of Frank W. and
Ellen M. Pease, Burlington High School; graduated U. V. M.
Medical '99; house surgeon at Mary Fletcher Hospital 1900;
post-graduate work at Vienna ; instructor in neurology and medi-
cine U. V. M. ten years; now instructor in surgery; in practice
in Burlington; attending surgeon to Mary Fletcher and Fanny
Allen Hospitals ; division surgeon for Rutland R. R. Co. ; mem-
ber of several lodges; m. in 1911 Mary S. Stranahan of St.
Albans.
D. J. Sheehan, b. Feb. 21, 1879 on the Bolger farm ; son of
John and Nora Sheehan ; at the age of six moved with his parents
to Craftsbury, where he afterward attended the academy; grad-
uated St. Laurant College 1900; received M. D. from George-
town Medical 1904 ; interne at Providence Hospital, Washington,
D. C. 18 months; has since practiced in Lowell, Vt.
Bingham H. Stone, b. Feb. 21, 1875 ; son of Isaac C. and
Eliza (Bingham) Stone ; studied at Oberlin Academy ; graduated
U. V. M. '97 and U. V. M. Medical '99 ; physician in Burlington ;
State bacteriologist ; director of Laboratory.; pathologist for Mary
Fletcher Hospital ; professor of bacteriology and pathology, U. V.
M. ; m. March 25, 1899, Jean E. Nichols ; one daughter, Katharine.
Jesse Thomson, b. Aug. 20, 1819; son of Jesse and Nancy
(Humphrey) Thomson; studied at Castleton; gave most of his
active life to farming at Morristown Corners ; since about 1890
has resided with his son in Rutland; m. Mary Wheelock. (See
Thomson Family).
Jesse E. Thomson, b. here Nov. 22, 1853 ; son of Dr. Jesse
and Mary (Wheelock) Thomson; attended U. V. M. and grad-
uated from University of City of New York '78 ; practiced in
Cabot and Jericho, and since '82 in Rutland ; address 101 Wales
St.
238 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Chapter IV.
TEACHERS.
This list is intended to include Jericho boys and girls who
have become teachers and professors in the higher institutions,
or who within recent date have served several years as teachers
in common schools. Some who have taught awhile are spoken
of in the lists of other professional men.
Mary E. Adrien, dau. of Thomas and Ellen (Reddy)
Adrien. Has taught 18 years in town, 20 in all. (See Reddy
family).
Florence E. Bicknell, dau. of G. Clinton and Adelia (Rice)
Bicknell. Graduated at Burlington High School. Teacher in
Chicago Latin School. Student in University of Chicago.
*George Blackman, h. Nov., 1818, son of Pliny and Lucinda
(Wheelock) Blackman; graduated U. V. M. 1838; degree of M.
A. 1844; went south 1840; taught in New Orleans 1842-55; later
in Miss.; in San Francisco in '75 and in Pearlington, Miss.,
where he d. Mar. 22, '82.
Dessa C. Bolger, dau. of Luke B. and Kate (Leary) Bolger.
Graduated Jericho High School 1908 and Johnson Normal
School 1909; teacher in primary room, Jericho Center Graded
School.
Helen Bolger, dau. of Luke B. and Kate (Leary) Bolger.
Graduated Johnson Normal School 1905 ; teacher in grammar
room, Jericho Center Graded School.
Lynn A. Brown, son of Oliver and Ellen (Williams)
Brown. Graduated Oswego Normal 1903; has taught in town;
is now teaching in Conn. School for Boys, Meriden, Conn.
*Buel Clifton Day, b. April 17, 1867 ; son of Buel H. and
Mary B. Day. Fitted for college at St. Johnsbury; graduated
U. V. M. '88; principal Craftsbury Academy '88-'91; student at
Columbia Univ. '91-'92 ; assistant secretary Vt. Senate '92 ; sup't.
Easthampton, Mass., schools, '92-'96; at Berlin and Jena '96-'97;
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 239
sup't. Boston Parental School '98; conducted sanatorium in
Colorado; d. Mar. 30, 1910. ()See Day family).
Josephine Fay, dau. of Ellery C. and Louise Wright (Fay).
Graduated Burlington High School, also attended Salem, Mass.
Normal; teacher at Essex Junction; m. Archie Rugg 1915.
Anna Fitzsimonds, dau. of John and Sarah Fitzsimonds.
Graduated Burlington High '05 ; teacher at Stowe.
Grace Fitzsimonds, sister of Anna just mentioned. Grad-
uated Randolph Normal, '06 ; teacher in Burlington ; m. Thomas
Moran 1915.
Mrs. Jennie W. Hart, attended Mt. Holyoke two years;
taught Essex Classical Institute four years; Milledgeville, Ga.,
one year ; Vergennes one year ; Burlington High two years ; three
terms at district school and two terms at select school, Jericho ; m.
Hiram S. Hart in 1871 and after his death in 1884 she took a
course in nursing and followed that occupation ; taught in Straight
View Univ. New Orleans in '91. Has since resided in Jericho;
librarian of town library and a public spirited citizen. (See
Warner family) .
Chauncey H. Hay den. (See Hayden family).
Tracy E. Hazen, b. July 4, 1874; son of Rev. Austin and
Mary J. (Carleton) Hazen. Fitted for college at Mt. Hermon,
Mass.; graduated U. V. M. 1897; student at Columbia 1897-
1900, receiving A. M. there in '99 and Ph. D. in 1900, holding
University Fellowship in Botany 1898-1900; curator Fairbanks
Museum, St. Johnsbury 1900-01, assistant in Botany Barnard
College, Columbia Univ. 1902-03; tutor in Botany 1903-06; as-
sociate professor.
Mrs. Maud H. Hoskins, dau. of Henry C. and Ella (Green)
Hurlburt. Graduated Johnson Normal 1902; taught in town;
wife of Edward W. Hoskins; is county sup't. of schools at Castle
Rock, Colorado.
George Byron Kingsbury, b. May 29, 1863 ; son of Dr.
Joseph Byron and Elizabeth (Eastman) Kingsbury. Gradu-
ated Thayer Academy, Braintree, Mass., '85; and Dartmouth
240 HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT.
College, '89 ; M. A. in '92 ; taught four years at Wesleyan Acai
emy, Wilbraham, Mass.; head of commercial department (
High School, Brockton, Mass., and principal of evening scho
there. Since 1906 head of commercial dep't. in High Schoc
Hartford, Conn. ; in '96 m. Edith H. Leonard of Brockton, Mas
*Jedediah Lane, Jr., h. at Salisbury, Conn., Dec. 10, 1761
son of Jedediah Lane, one of the first settlers and Phel
(Stephens) Lane; first college graduate from Jericho. Gradi
ated Dartmouth 1794 ; began to read law, but infirm health droi
him into mercantile pursuits; from this he turned to successfi
teaching; m. Betsey Post in 1800; d. Feb. 2, 1849.
Mrs. Ellen W. Mann, dau. of Edward S. and Harrii
(Kingsbury) Whitcomb. Taught in Jericho, Underbill ar
Williston; m. Warren Mann, a merchant in Randolph; tw
dau.; has been sup't. of schools here. Resides in Huntingtoi
L. I.
Mrs. Mary Leary Maurice, dau. of Moses and Catherir
(Cassidy) Leary. Taught in town; m. Walter Maurice. Ri
sides in White Plains, N. Y.
Mrs. Evaline (Ford) Nealy, dau. of Addison M. and Jul
(Mansfield) Ford; m. Irvin M. Nealy 1906. Has taught I
terms. (See Ford family).
Mrs. Lena (Whitton) Rice, dau. of John P. and Evalir
(Pease) Whitton; m. L. C. Rice 1898. Teaches at the Comer
(See Whitton family).
Emma Luella (Lane) Votey, b. Aug. 13, 1860. Fitted f(
college at Burlington High; entered class of '83 U. V. M., r
maining two years; studied music in N. Y. and Burlington '&
'85. Taught music; m. Prof. J. W. Votey of U. V. M.
*Byron Olin White, b. July 17, 1848. Fitted for collej
at Essex; graduated U. V. M. '73; Prof, of Natural Scien(
Dickinson Seminary, Pa., and Western College, lo. ; ass't. chen
ist Vt. Experiment Station 15 years; to Whittier, Cal. 1905;
there July 20, 1909.
Pbop. Joseph S. Cilley.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 241
PROF. JOSEPH S. CILLEY.
By H. B. Chittenden.
Among the names of leading citizens of Jericho that of
Joseph S. Cilley stands out prominently. He was born in Hop-
kinton, N. H., in Dec, 1815. When Joseph was a small boy, his
father removed to Jericho, Vt., and settled on a small farm on
Lee River, where he spent his boyhood with but few educational
advantages. He spent his days following the plow and perform-
ing the other duties incident to farm life, and his evenings, often
far into the night, in studying mathematics, and Latin and
Greek, and without an instructor he thoroughly mastered algebra,
geometry, and all of the Latin and Greek required for admission
to any of the New England Colleges, and the thoroughness of
his work is attested by the high standing of the students he sent
to Yale and other colleges. His early ambition was to become
a lawyer, and, in order to obtain means, he commenced teaching
while quite young. When he was 24 years of age he married
Albina Crane, which step probably changed the whole course
of his life. Not long after his marriage he went to Ohio, where
he taught for a short time, intending to study law later, but
finally decided to return to Vermont and make teaching his life
work. For a time he with the assistance of his wife taught a
select school in a house formerly occupied by Joseph Kingsbury.
Here was laid the foundation- of what was afterwards called
Underbill Academy. He remained in Underbill until 1852 when
he went to Underbill Center, where he taught successfully for
five years, the school at times numbering over 120 pupils. In 1858
he was called to Williston as principal of the academy there,
which position he successfully filled for ten years, building up a
large school and fitting students for nearly all of the New
England Colleges. While he was in Williston the University
of Vermont gave him the honorary degree of A. M., in recogni-
tion of the valuable work he was doing in the preparation of
students for college.
In 1868 he was called to Brandon as the first principal of
their graded school. After thoroughly grading the school he
remained as its principal for some ten years, there doing perhaps
242 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
some of the best work of his life. After leaving Brandon, h
returned to Jericho, the home of his boyhood, and purchased
pleasant home, intending to retire from his chosen professior
But after a few months he tired of his life of ease, and cor
ducted a private school in his own house for several years, thu
ending his work where he had begun, in a private school. Her
many grandchildren of the pupils of his. earlier days came t
get the benefit of his large experience and his vigorous but salv
tary discipline.
Mr. Cilley was a man of rugged character and strong wil
a veritable Puritan in his characteristics, but under a somewhs
austere and stern manner was a tender and lovable nature, an
to those who knew him best he was a most enjoyable companio
and friend. For several years he was president of the Chittende
County Teachers' Association of which he was one of th
founders. Under his leadership the association did exceller
work in giving to the teachers of the county a higher conceptio
of the teacher's vocation. His addresses at the meetings of th
association were always strong and inspiring. As an educate
Mr. Cilley ranked among the first in the State and in length c
service surpassed all of his associates in his profession, havin
taught continuously for over 60 years. A fitting close to th
brief story of Mr. Cilley's life are the closing words of his obitt
ary, written by the Rev. A. D. Barber, a long time friend, "A
active brain and sturdy body kept him at his chosen professio
until his last year, and a well spent, honored life was his rewai
on earth." "He had faults as do we all, but no one will gainsa
our words, when we say a strong grand character, and a goo
citizen has gone home, who always used his teachership as
sacred trust, a high commission from Heaven."
Chapter V.
CIVIL ENGINEERS.
Don L. Galusha, b. Nov. 17, 1881 ; son of Rufus B. and Myi
(Wilson) Galusha. Graduated at Vermont Academy 1900 ai
at Mass. Institute of Technology 1904. An electrical engine
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 243
connected with the Stone and Webster Corporation, Boston, since
1906.
Hobart Hamilton, b. June 26, 1831 ; son of J. H. Hamilton,
graduated U. V. M. 1853. Civil engineer with C, B. and Q.
R. R. 'SS-'Se; editor at Peoria, 111., '58-'63; first lieut. 102d 111.
Vols. '63-'65; county clerk '66-'69; master in chancery '67-74;
chief engineer S. and N. W. R. R. 70-73 ; chief engineer drain-
age system Mason Co., 111. '85. Address Petersburg, 111.
Don C. Hawley, b. at Cambridge, Vt., Oct. 12, 1866 ; son of
Ira and Carrie (Wheelock ) Hawley; moved to Jericho in 1876.
Graduated Goddard Seminary '87 and U. V. M. '91 ; with Vt.
Marble Co. at Proctor and had charge of their exhibit at World's
Fair; since with a construction company, now called the Fiske
Carter, whose headquarters are at Worcester, Mass., as civil
engineer; located at Charleston, S. C. ; has erected mills and
houses in the South ; m. Nov. 5, '04, Albertine Soule, of Fairfield,
Vt.
Vinson K. Nash, b. here Jan. 13, 1847 ; son of Daniel C. and
Nancy M. (Kennedy) Nash. Studied at Essex Classical In-
stitute and Hyde Park ; technical education at Worcester, Mass.,
mining technical education in Pacific Chemical Works, San Fran-
cisco; work as salaried engineer began in 1869; was four years
assistant in an engineering firm in Worcester ; four years in city
engineer's office of that city in charge of construction of sewer
system at first and tl^en of streets and parks,; one year engaged
in construction work upon Hospital for the Insane at Quin-
sigamond Lake; six years in charge of department of railroad
construction of a large firm, building new lines, double tracking
old lines, rebuilding bridges, etc., preparatory to the introduction
of heavier rolling stock on the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. ; one
year locating and constructing engineer on the Rock Island sys-
tem, building that road from main line in Minn, through N. W.
Iowa to Sioux Falls, S. D. ; since 1886, excepting one year resi-
dent engineer for the D. & H. C. Co. rebuilding their line from
Plattsburgh to Lake Placid, has been in business for himself as
designing, constructing and contracting engineer on work all over
the country; some of his Vt. works are Winooski sewer, Essex
244 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Junction water supply, Barre and Montpelier Electric R. I
Springfield Electric R. R., Bellows Falls and Saxtons River Ele
trie R. R. ; has been chief engineer of about 1,000 miles of railroj
work, about 15 electric lines, 40 reservoirs, besides bridges, buil(
ings, sewer systems, water supplies, etc. ; was contractor for tl
largest Boston reservoir; also for foundation of Providen(
terminal station on N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. ; during the contrac
ing period he had his own granite quarries and did everythir
from start to finish; as mining engineer has examined and r
ported upon 2,000 claims, gold, silver, copper and lead prop(
sitions mostly ; m ( 1 ) Ada S. Humphrey of Underhill, Mar. 1
1871, who d. Mar. 30, 1872; one son, Curtis H., b. Mar. 1, 187
a contracting irrigating well developer in Strathmore, Cal ; m. (2
Emma L. Guild of Boston, Nov. 10, 1877, who d. Dec. 9, 188^
three children : Charles G., b. Oct. 22, 1878, assistant to the chi«
engineer of S. P. R. R. Co., Portland, Ore. ; John H., b. Jul
26, 1880, sup't. of machine shop, Vergennes, Vt. ; Ruth A., 1
June 26, 1882, graduate nurse Visalia, Cal. ; m. (3) Annie
Aiken, of Woonsocket, R. I., Apr. 13, 1887. Present address
Portersville, Cal.
HORTICULTURIST.
George H. Howe, b. Feb. 9, 1888; son of Fred W. and Clai
(Collins) Howe. Graduated High School Proctor, 19W
graduated U. V. M. Agr. Dept., 1910; ass't horticulturist at >
Y. Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, N. Y.
Chapter VI.
MISCELLANEOUS.
LIST OF GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
BORN IN JERICHO.
The following list of such is intended to be complete. Fc
particulars of those who became clergymen, lawyers, physician
teachers or engineers, the reader is referred to the lists of sucl
The order followed is that of class years.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 245
*Thomas Chittenden 1809; lawyer.
*Rev. Samuel Lee 1831 ; clergyman.
* George Blackburn 1838; teacher.
*George L. Lyman 1841 ; physician.
* James Smedley Blackburn 1844; b. July 23, 1819; brother
of George. Taught in public schools. New Orleans; police of-
ficer N. Y. City ; flour and grain merchant ; d. East Orange, N. J.,
July 24, 1891.
Hobart Hamilton 1853 ; engineer.
Washington Spencer Cilley 1867; lawyer.
*Henry Homer Douglass 1870; b. Dec. 2, 1846. Manager
Minneapolis Mill Company; d. Jan. 10, 1877.
*Byron Olin White 1873 ; teacher.
Louis Shaw 1874; b. Mar. 29, 1851. Ass't. manager Mich.
Central R. R., Niles, Mich.
Rufus W. Bishop 1877; physician.
*Jed Samutel Lane 1886 ; b. Feb. 8, 1865. Railway engineer
in Wis. and Tenn. ; manager lumber business ; d. Murphy, N. C,
Aug. 2, 1890.
Earl M. Wilbur 1886; clergyman.
*Buel C. Day 1888 ; teacher.
Carleton Hazen 1888; clergyman.
*Allen Hazen 1888 ; physician.
Frank W. Hazen 1890; clergyman.
William Hazen 1893; clergyman.
Robert Hazen 1896; physician.
Tracy E. Hazen 1897 ; teacher.
Bingham H. Stone 1897 ; physician.
17
246 HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT.
Theodore B. Williams 1909. In business at Jericho.
Olive L. (Hayden) Janes 1910; m. Donald M. Janes of
Richford, Oct. 8, 1914.
George H. Howe 1910; horticulturist.
Hovey Jordan 1912; post-graduate student at Harvard.
THE FOLLOWING LIST OF STUDENTS WHO
ENTERED U. V. M. BUT DID NOT
GRADUATE IS APPENDED.
*Samuel Augustus Lee 1835.
*Edwin Blackman 1837; b. 1814. Merchant; settled early
in Chicago; real estate business; d. in Chicago.
* Albert Clark Spalding 1841 ; b. 1823. Merchant; d. at So.
Orange, Mass., Aug. 31, 1847.
*Henry A. Smalley 1853; b. Feb. 28, 1834; son of Judge
David A. At West Point, '50-'53 ; Col. 5th Vt. Vols. ; captain
2nd artillery, U. S. A. ; d. N. Y., May 13, 1888.
George Parmalee Ranslow 1856; b. Aug. 12, 1832. Mer-
chant and farmer; in 1st Iqwa Vol. cavalry.
*Edwin W. Bartlett 1865 ; physician.
Chauncey Langdon Church 1865; b. Feb. 28, 1841. Private
2d Vt. Vol.; killed in action at Banks' Ford, May 4, 1863.
Emma L. (Lane) Votey 1883 ; teacher.
Charles Edwin Douglas 1886 ; b. Sept. 12, 1859. In Texas.
Don C. Hawley 1891 ; civil engineer.
Ernest James Spalding 1892 ; b. Dec. 30, 1868. Wholesale
grocer, Burlington.
Rolla Williams Brown 1906.
Marjory A. Hayden 1916.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 247
THE FOLLOWING YOUNG PEOPLE OF JERICHO ARE
AT PRESENT IN U. V. M. :
Helen M. Chapin 1917.
Reginald G. Hawley 1917.
Chauncey Harold Hay den 1917.
Coletta Barrett 1918.
Mildred M. Chapin 1918.
Wendell J. Hayden 1918.
Robert Casey 1919.
Lloyd Hulburd 1919.
Ina Irish 1919.
Wilhelm Schillhammer 1919.
THE FOLLOWING ARE AT MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE:
Clara P. Barnum 1917.
Carl H. Moulton 1917.
THE FOLLOWING ARE KNOWN TO HAVE
GRADUATED FROM DARTMOUTH :
*Jedediah Lane, Jr. 1794; teacher.
Frederick L. Kingsbury 1875; clergyman.
*Stephen G. Emerson 1887; clergyman.
George Byron Kingsbury 1889; teacher.
THE FOLLOWING ARE KNOWN TO HAVE
GRADUATED FROM MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE:
*Heman Rood 1819; clergyman.
*Calvm Butler 1824 ; clergyman.
*Anson Rood 1825 ; clergyman.
248 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
*Eugene J. Ranslow 1866 ; clergyman.
Alice W. Barnum 1912 ; teacher. Resides at Jericho Center
Blanche Bostwick 1912; teacher; m. Nov. '14, Dr. Clarence
A. Bonner. Resides at Skinner, Me.
GRADUATE OF MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY:
Don L. Galusha 1914 ; civil engineer.
THE FOLLOWING ARE KNOWN TO HAVE
GRADUATED FROM MT. HOLYOKE COLLEGE:
Anna E. Warner 1869; clerk Treasury Dep't., Washington,
D. C, 71 -'82. Resides at Jericho Center.
Maria B. Humphrey 1874; m. Lucius R. Hazen; five chil-
dren. Resides at Middletown, Ct.
NON-GRADUATES OF MT. HOLYOKE:
*Mary A. Elliot 1854; d. at Jericho, April 3, 1870.
*Almira F. Elliot 1862; m. Rev. Austin Hazen 1881; d.
at Montpelier Oct. 26, 1899.
Jennie G. Warner 1862 ; m. *Hiram S. Hart 1871 ; teacher,
nurse, librarian ; one dau. who died at three years of age. Re-
sides at Jericho Center.
Harriette R. Hovey 1880 ; m. *Charles F. Higgins 1892 ; mu-
sic teacher; social worker; one son who died at three years of
age. Resides at Jericho Center.
GRADUATE OF VASSAR COLLEGE:
Ora Wilson Galusha 1906; has done secretarial work with
the Economic Club of Boston and the New England Tel. & Tel.
Co. Resides at Winchester, Mass.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERIMONT. 249
SKETCHES OF THE PHYSICIANS AT PRESENT
IN TOWN:
A. F. Burdick, practitioner for forty years in Underbill and
Jericho. See genealogy.
Merritt O. Eddy, b. in Townsbend, Feb. 26, 1877; son of
Willard H. and Mary (Lakin) Eddy. Graduated Leland and
Gray Seminary, '96, and Tufts Medical 1905. Practiced in
Readsboro five years and in 1911 purchased tbe practice of Dr.
H. D. Hopkins; m. in 1904 Mildred D. Hooper of Wakefield,
Mass. ; two children.
George B. Hulburd, b. in Waterville, Feb. 6, 1862; son of
Benjamin F. and Juliana (Miller). Hulburd. Attended Lamoille
Central Academy; graduated U. V. M. Medical '85. In '90 took
course in N. Y. Post-Graduate Medical School,- practiced in
Waterville and in 18^ located in Jericho, where for over twenty
years he has followed his profession ; m. in 1886 Anna L. Patch
of Johnson, who d. May 31, '87; m. July 11, '92, Mary E. Flagg,
dau. of Dr. R. L. Flagg of Jeffersonville ; one son Lloyd F., b.
Oct. 9, 1896, and is now in U. V. M.; health officer since 1903;
has served on board of Visiting Physicians and on board of Con-
sulting Surgeons at the Mary Fletcher Hospital.
Frank B. Hunt, b. in Fairfax, Sept. 27, 1885; son of Ira
E. and Charlotte (Ballard) Hunt. Studied at New Hampton
Institute in Fairfax, Vermont Academy one year, and Bellows
Free Academy, Fairfax, graduating in 1906;. three years at U.
V. M. ; graduated U. V. M. Medical 1913; course in a Boston
Hospital; began practice at the Flats Oct., 1913; m. June 23,
1914, Katherine L. Boughton of Easton, N. Y.
W. Scott Nay, b. in Milton Dec. 12, 1850. (See Nay fam-
ily).
250 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Chapter VII.
THE HIGHER SCHOOLS OF THE TOWN.
JERICHO ACADEMY.
The reader is referred to Mr. Wilbur's historical account
and also to his Charter Day address, both in this volume, for the
progress of education in town and for valuable notes upon the
old Jericho Academy. But it seems well to present by itself
for the sake of fuller knowledge and reference some material in
regard to the academy which has been published elsewhere.
The academy building itself, located on the south side of
the park at the Center and now used by the Congregational
Church undo- the name of a parish house, Mr. Wilbur tells us
was erected m 1825. It was not till March, 1827, that the school
was successfully operated. Under the management of Simeon
Bicknell it became the best in this part of the state.
Dr. George Lee Lyman in Hemewway's Gazetteer gives the
following estimate of this teacher:
"Rev. Simeon Bicknell, A. M., educated at Dartmouth Col-
lege, was many years a teacher of the old stamp, nearest to my
idea of the celebrated masters of the great English schools. A
scholar must obey implicitly, and learn all it was reasonable to
ask of him, or emigrate — no half-way measures. He did not
think it reasonable to ask us little boys to learn much.
Mr. Bicknell was very much afflicted with sick headaches,
sometimes so severely as to disqualify him for business for a
fortnight. This had a great effect upon his temper, discourag-
ing him generally and making him restless and discontented with
what he was doing. He taught Jericho Academy five years
with rapidly increasing popularity, when, tempted by more bril-
liant promises, he removed to Malone, N. Y. The disastrous
consequences of his headache followed him, year to year, from
one change to another, till in 1844 he went to Wisconsin to find
a home for his growing family. After being employed sometime
surveying, again becoming discouraged, he came to Milwaukee
on his way to the East. Hon. William A. Prentiss, who had
also been a Jericho man, meeting him and learning his discourage-
The Old Academy, Jericho Centeb and the New
High School Building.
252 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
presence of Him to whom in the presence of his school he daily
offered his morning prayer.
"My third and last teacher at the academy was Mr. James
T. Foster, a kind, pleasant man, and a good teacher. Under his
management the school prospered, though there seemed to be less
interest and enthusiasm than before. After his retirement there
was but little permanence in instruction at the academy, and the
interest of former days began to decline. Frequent change of
teachers, and want of vim in some of them, made the decline so
positive that even the return of Mr. Bicknell, the first able prin-
cipal, failed to restore the ancient fame of the academy. Though
he was the same able and efficient teacher, and in a measure suc-
cessful, the decline continued after his short stay, and continuing
still through years of struggle for life, death followed."
The catalogues of the time were printed, poster fashion,
upon a single sheet. That for the fall term, ending" Nov. 27,
1835, gives a formidable board of trustees consisting of 22 gentle-
men, headed by Rev. Simeon Parmelee, Westford. John Boynton,
A. B., was principal; Amasa M. Brown and Orville Wiggins,
assistant pupils. I transcribe the names of the students:
LADIES.
Mary Ann Adams, Jericho
Eliza Ann Blackman Jericho
Caroline French Belmont, N. Y.
Charlotte B. Gibbs , Jericho
Fidelia U. Graves Jericho
Lydia Griffin Jericho
Mary E. Hale Jericho
Esther Howe Westford
Charlotte A. Parmelee Westford
Adaline H. Parmelee Westford
Martha M. Reed Jericho
Mary Reed Jericho
Charlotte L. Rockwood Jericho
Hannah M. Richardson Jericho
Caroline Richardson Jericho
Matilda Wells Underbill
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERlMONT. 253
Mary Ann Stiles Jericho
Electa Terrill .Underbill
Almira B. Whitten . , Jericho
GENTLEMEN.
Lovatus C. Allen Richmond
Ferdinand Beach Westford
*Almon Benson Jericho
John Blackman Jericho
Chester A. Blake Milton
Wells Blackman Jericho
*Amasa M. Brown Essex
Milo H. Chapin Jericho
♦Joseph S. Cilley Underhill
Silas B. Day Jericho
Gilvin Earle Westford
♦Jonathan W. Earle Westford
Heman R. Gibbs Westford
*Sanf ord Halbert Essex
George L. Howe Jericho
James Humphrey Jericho
♦Nelson L. Janes Berkshire
♦John A. Kasson Charlotte
Robert G. Keniston Jericho
Lucius L. Lane Jericho
♦William G. Lacey Wheatland, N. Y.
Daniel B. Lee Jericho
Wallace E. Munson Colchester
Horace W. Parmelee Westford
Horace Reed Jericho
George Rich Charlotte
Sumner Rockwood Jericho
Samuel Rice Westford
Francis M. Rublee Berkshire
♦Paraclete Sheldon Underhill
Thomas N. Skinner Stockholm, N. Y.
Chauncey C. Skinner Jericho
♦Albert C. Spaulding Jericho
254 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Horace R. Stebbins Jericho
* John G. K. Truair, Cambridge
Thomas S. Truair Cambridge
♦Lester Warren Fletcher
Torrey E. Wales Westford
*Orville Wiggins Essex
Kendal Williams Richmond
John Williams < Richmond
DeForest Weed Sheldon
Ladies, 19. — gentlemen 42. — *In languages 14. — ^Total 61.
Expenses — Tuition for common English branches, $3.00 per
quarter.
Tuition in the Languages, $3.50 per quarter.
"The winter term of this academy will commence December
7. — Spring term, March 14, summer term, June 6. The Trustees
of this institution feel gratified in being able to give so flattering
an account of the situation of the school, and would assure the
jpublic that no exertions on their part will be spared to maintain
its usefulness and reputation.
"In addition to the usual advantages enjoyed in schools of
this nature, there is connected with this institution a library,
amply sufficient to supply all students with text-books at a trifling
expense.
"It is desirable that those who intend to become members of
the school the next term, should enter at the commencement, as
classes in the principal branches taught will then be organized,
and those who enter afterwards will be expected to join classes
already formed.
"Board may be obtained in good families, including room,
washing, lights, etc. from $1.00 to $1.25 per week.
"The retirement of this institution from scenes of dissipa-
tion and vice render it a desirable resort for those whose object
is improvement."
The catalogue for the term beginning Sept. 5, 1836, names
James T. Foster, A. B., principal. The number of students was
85, of whom but 13 attended the year before. Their names fol-
low:
HISTORY OP JERICJHO, VERMONT. 255
LADIES.
Betsey M. Bartlet Jericho
Lucinda Bartlet .Jericho
Maria Barber Jericho
Eliza A. Blackman Jericho
Mary J. Blackman Jericho
Sarah C. Bostwick .Underhill
Maria S. Buckley Cambridge
Lucy Crane Jericho
Laura S. Chapin Jericho
Lydia I. Galusha Jericho
Charlotte B. Gibbs Jericho
Lorain GrifHn Jericho
Lydia Griffin Jericho
Frances Hamilton Jericho
Delana Hard Jericho
Sarah Hutchinson Jericho
M. W. Hyde Waitsfield
Hannah M. Jackson Westf ord
Anna Johnson Jericho
Julia S. Kellogg Jericho
Melissa Lane Jericho
Lucretia W. Lee Jericho
Charlotte Lyman Jericho
Emily Marsh .Jericho
Lydia Nash Jericho
Jane Parker Cambridge
Fanny Prouty Jericho
M^ry Reed Jericho
Caroline Richardson .Jericho
Rosantha Rockwood Jericho
Lavilla Stiles Jericho
Sarah S. Stiles Jericho
Aurora S. Tomlinson Richmond
Harriet M. Warner Cambridge
GENTLEMEN.
Lorenzo Allis Colchester
♦Pliny F. Barnard Waitsfield
256 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
*Orlo Barnard Waitsfield
Joel B. Bartlet Jericho
James S. Blackman Jericho
Charles Blackman Jericho
John W. Blackman Jericho
Selim F. Blackman Jericho
Wells Blackman Jericho
Henry Brownell Colchester
*S. Chamberlain Underhill
*Rufus Childs Waitsfield
Andrew C. Cummins , Berkshire
Thomas Chittenden Jericho
Edwin R. Crane Jericho
♦Joseph S. Cilley Underhill
Hosea Douglas Richmond
Henry Douglas Jericho
Cassius Douglas Jericho
Wm. Frink Underhill
Elisha Ford Underhill
Bradley Fullington Cambridge
Rollin M. Galusha Jericho
Wm. N. Hodgins Grand Isle
James Humphrey Jericho
Wm. Jemerson Cataraugus, N. Y.
Edward Johnson Jericho
Sylvanus H. Kellogg Jericho
Asa Lane Jericho
Lucius L. Lane Jericho
Edgar Lane Jericho
D. *B. Lee Jericho
Seymour Lyman Jericho
Charles H. Lyman Jericho
John Messenger Jericho
Myron Messenger .Jericho
Ansel Nash .Jericho
*S. N. Parmelee Fairfax
Benj. Parker Underhill
James Reed Jericho
Horace Reed Jericho
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 257
John L. Richardson Jericho
Martin Richardson Jericho
Edwin Rood Jericho
L. ( ?) W. Rockwood Jericho
♦Albert C. Spaulding Jericho
Chauncey C. Skinner Jericho
*Earl Smilie Jericho
Francis Smilie Jericho
John Terrell Jericho
Robert Tarbox Jericho
Ladies, 34. — gentlemen, 51. — *In languages 8. — Total 85.
Rev. Edwin F. Wheelock stated in his remarks at the church
centennial that he came to Jericho Center in the fall of 1845 as a
teacher in the academy, though Dr. Lyman says it became ex-
tinct in that year.
SELECT SCHOOLS.
Select schools, as they were called, were conducted by var-
ious teachers after the close of the academy in the building which
it had occupied. These were not under the supervision of the
town school superintendent or supported by the town, but stu-
dents paid the expenses. The editor has not learned when they
were begim, but finds that in 1856 William Trumbull Lee was
teacher. There were at times about thirty young people under
instruction. George Kennedy taught about 1857, his sister Betsey,
being assistant. Frank A. Chapin and Chauncey L. Church, who
was killed in the war in 1863, have been mentioned as instructors.
Warren Mooney served in the fall of 1864. Henry Wade, Rev.
Austin Hazen, Fred S. Piatt, now clerk of U. S. Court at Rut-
land, in 1875, Judson Jenkins, George Henderson, Mrs. S. N.
Brownell, Mrs. Jennie W. Hart two terms in '80-'81, Emma
Lane now Mrs. J. W. Votey, Frank E. Garvin in '86-'87 and
Miss Frances B. Hill in '89-'90, are reported by diflferent per-
sons and taught approximately in the order given.
At the Corners Prof. J. S. Cilley in '82-'83, was conducting
a flourishing select school with fifty scholars, and continued this
work for several years.
258 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
. JERICHO HIGH SCHOOL.
By Mrs. J. W. Hart and S. H. Barnum.
In 1905 a considerable number of young people, being de-
sirous of attending a high school, were going out of town for
that purpose and were drawing according to law so much tuition
money from the town that the idea of establishing a high school
in Jericho was strongly agitated. It became warmly advocated
and strenuously opposed. Mrs. Ellen H. Mann, a former super-
intendent, had advocated it in her school report of 1903. Miss
Alice A. Flagg superintendent, F. G. Pease, F. D. McGinnis and
L. C. Stevens school directors, were prominent in behalf of the
movement. It was decided that a school should be opened, and
that it should be located in the school building at the Center upon
the second floor, which had been used for a hall. In September
of 1905, the school was opened with Stanley B. Harkness of
Chicago, a graduate of Oberlin, as principal, and with 14 or 15
pupils. These were allowed their choice among three college
preparatory courses, viz. : the Classical, Latin-Scientific and Eng-
Hsh.
During the second year, Mrs. Ellen H. Mann, who was again
superintendent, said in her report: "As to the high school, it has
proved, under the thorough and systematic tutorship of Princi-
pal Harkness, a success in attainment if not in numbers. . The
pupils of this department have made as proficient and satisfactory
progress as could be made in high grade schools elsewhere."
In September, 1907, the high school opened with 17 pupils
under Miss Maude M. Tucker, a graduate of Middlebury Col-
lege. The addition of a course in book-keeping seemed to meet
the wants of some of the pupils, especially the boys, who were
not hungering for a knowledge of English literature and the
languages, and it made the school more popular with such. Mrs.
Mann speaks of Miss Tucker's eminent qualifications, pleasing
personality and unbounded enthusiasm as having more than
realized the ambition of the friends of the school. Mrs. Mann
regrets the lack of support and enthusiasm from the town.
The first class to graduate was the class of 1908, which
numbered five: Dessa Bolger, Blanche B. Bostwicsk, Loraine H.
HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT. 259
Ransom, Frank B. Brown and Hovey Jordan. Two of these
later completed a Normal School course, one graduated at Mid-
dlebury College, one at U. V. M., and one after a course in a
Burlington Business College became a prosperous farmer in
town. The graduating exercises were held in the Congregational
Church in June and addresses were made by Congressman D. J.
Foster and State Superintendent Mason S. Stone.
In 1909 the school increased in numbers and Miss Mary
Moran was employed as assistant. As graduation time ap-
proached but one pupil was ready, Bert E. Bliss, but by reason
of his scholarly attainments and enthusiastic spirit he was a
whole class. He had planned to enter U. V. M. in the fall, but
he was smitten with pneumonia and died two weeks before the
day set for his graduation. He was a rare spirit and his sud-
den death was a shock to the school and the whole community.
No public exercises were held at the clone c f school.
In 1910 there was but one pupil to graduate. Miss Carrie
Rogers. In 1911 Miss Tucker and Miss Moran were succeeded
by Miss Harriet Spooner of New Hampshire and Miss Catharine
Henley of Richmond. There was a graduating class of three:
Mary M. Lynch, Mae E. Eldridge and Wentworth Bicknell.
By this time the townspeople had come to regard the high
school as a success and as an institution which had come to stay.
In 1-912 Mr. Edwin T. Maloney, a graduate of Middlebury
College, became principal. Miss Henley continuing as assistant.
The graduating class consisted of six: Clara P. Barnum, Irene
Bolger, Doris R. Brown, Helen M. Chapin, Lulu R. Pratt and
Pauline Smith. Superintendent L. E. Prior said, "The prosper-
ity and growth of the high school continues. During the year
35 pupils were enrolled. The addition of the physical laboratory
cabinet to the equipment of the high school has been of great
value."
In 1913 a class of four was graduated, viz. : Helen Cash-
more, Carl Moulton, Paul and George Casey.
In 1914 the enrollment reached 42 and a class of eight re-
ceived their diplomas : Constance R. Jordan, Mildred M. Chapin,
Juna M. Walston, Loretta Barrett, Coletta Barrett, Chester Wal-
ton, Herbert Nattress, Edward Varney.
260 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Of the 18 graduates of the last three classes, six are now in
college. Another member, Constance R. Jordan, would have
entered, but she died a few months after graduation.
In 1915 the graduating class numbered nine, the largest to
date. They were: Gretchen E. Allen, Ina V. Irish, Fannie F.
McGinnis, Gladys E. Tomlinson, Raymond C. Bicknell, Robert E.
Casey, Arthur W. Irish, Arthur G. Pratt and Wilhelm R.
Schillhammer. U. V. M. awarded scholarships to Ina Irish and
Robert Casey for excellence at the final examination. The en-
rollment at the opening of the fall term of 1915 was 30.
Mr. Maloney remains principal of the school and Miss
Katherine Dewey of Royalton is assistant. Principal Maloney
has been successful in having the high school placed upon the
trial list of schools approved by the New England College En-
trance Certificate Board, which means that a certificate from our
school admits without examination to any New England college
represented on this board. This certificate does not admit to
Harvard, Yale and some others, but does open to 16 colleges and
thus places the school upon an equality with some larger schools
in the state.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 261
PART SIXTH.
VILLAGE AND BUSINESS INTERESTS OF THE TOWN ;
PAST AND PRESENT. JERICHO CENTER.
By Eugene B. Jordan.
As tourists and visitors drive through the village of Jericho
Center, or tarry for a time to visit friends, it is almost universally
remarked by them, "This certainly is one of the prettiest country
villages I have ever seen;" and, as one notes the beautiful park,
the shaded streets, the well kept lawns, the plain, but symmetrical
and trim brick church with its white spire, a landmark for miles
around, together with the general tidiness of the business and
residential property of the village, it would seem that the en-
thusiastic compliments of the visitors are not misplaced or unde-
served.
At the time of the settlement of the town, its geographical
center was found to be in what is now the pasture on the "Bishop
hill farm" so-called, now owned by Brown Brothers; and a
settlement of six families was made at that place, with the inten-
tion of locating the main village of the town there; but, owing
to its inaccessibility, some of the settlers strongly objected to its
location at that place, and Lewis Chapin, (the first town clerk),
who owned the land in this vicinity, offered to give four acres
for the village "green" or "common," on condition that the village
and church should be located here. His offer was accepted, and
shortly after the church, the store and other buildings were
erected, and the village of Jericho Center established on its
present site.
In the ea,rly part of the town's history, Jericho Center was
the educational center for a large surrounding country; the
Jericho Academy for many years being the principal educational
institution in this part of the county, and often having an attend-
ance of over a hundred students. An interesting account of this
old academy will be found in Part 5, Chapter 7, of this book.
18
262 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Thirty years ago, the present beautiful park at tljis village
was a rough, unkept country "green," without a tree or shrub;
many of the houses were run down, unpainted and unattractive ;
and one of the first "village improvements" was when a new
resident appealed to the selectmen of the town to compel one
of the tenant farmers living in the village, to keep his pigs at
home, instead of allowing them to run at large on the "green"
and in the neighbors' dooryards. The present beautiful park was
ploughed, seeded, laid out and trees planted, by a largely attended
"bee" of the farmers and others in 1885 under the direction of
the following named committee, appointed for that purpose, viz. :
— Dea. I. C. Stone, Dr. F. H. Cilley, F. S. Ransom, Gains Pease
and H. W. Jordan ; and the lovely park of today well attests the
thoroughness of workers and committee. As will be seen by the
above, this community has always been noted for its public spirit,
and its neighborhood co-operation.
The business interests of Jericho Center have never been,
and never could be very extensive, because of its location. Being
situated on a hill, there was no possibility of obtaining water
power for manufacturing ; and for the same reason, the railroads
were built on each side of the village, following the valleys; and
without railroads or water power, there was little chance for ex-
tensive business.
In the early days of the town's history, when each town was
largely a world unto itself, producing almost entirely all the
commodities it consumed, there were several small industries
located in, or near the Center. ,
Their histories are interesting, though somewhat obscure.
There follows as complete an account of the same, as the authors
have been able to secure from the older residents, and the town
records.
In 1823, Eben Lee deeded to Edward T. and Thomas J.
Hutchings a piece of land on Lee River, (at that time called
"Little river"), near the present residence of Hiram H. Wilder,
with the privilege of building a dam, and flooding sufficient land
back of the same to make a mill pond; and shortly after, a
woolen mill was built by the purchasers on this spot. In 1836,
the mill was owned by Nathaniel T. Stiles, who enlarged it, and
fully equipped the same with all necessary machinery to make
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 263
woolen cloth, including carding, spinning, weaving, fulling and
finishing machine's; and for forty years or more, a considerable
business was done by successive owners of this mill ; among such
owners at different times being Truman Galusha, Hosea Spauld-
ing, Horatio B. and Edgar A. Barney and others. In 1856 this
property was sold to the late Lyman Stimson and three others ;
and later, Mr. Stimson converted the mill into a wagon manu-
factory and wheelwright shop where wagons were made and re-
paired and a good business done in this line. This business also
finally declined and was given up. Near the village, on the
west side of the highway between the present residences of F. M.
Hoskins and S. M. Packard was located a tannery, where the
cowhides from the farms of the community were tanned, and
converted into good substantial leather; from which the village
cobbler made cowhide boots for the men and boys, and stout and
durable shoes for the women and girls. And proud was the
boy, and happy the day when he became possessor of a pair of
these boots with red tops and copper toes. This tanyard was
established by Reuben Rockwood about 1830-1835, and was
operated until the early '60s under successive owners, among
whom were Augustus W. Dow, Silas Ransom and Hoyt Cham-
bers ; and by the way, the village cobbler above referred to was,
for many years, Robert Gibson, whose residence and shop were
just west of the Lee River bridge near the residence of H. H.
Wilder. At a later date, Marshall Harvey, who lived in the
house now occupied by Geo. E. Cunningham at the "Center," was
the village cobbler. Mr. Harvey was a very eccentric character;
one of his peculiarities being, that, although he made boots and
shoes for others, he persisted in going barefoot himself every
summer.
South of the village, in the valley near the present residence
of John Fitzsimonds, on land now owned by Edwin S. Ransom, a
brickyard and kiln was established about 1835, by the same man
who founded the tannery above referred to, viz. : — ^Reuben Rock-
wood. This industry continued for a few years only; and it is
said that the brick for the Congregational Church, the residence
now occupied by E. B. Jordan and other buildings in this vicinity
were made at this brickyard.
264 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
In the eastern part of the town, along Mill Brook, (called in
the early days "Governor's Brook," because Governor Chittenden
owned much of the land bordering thereon), were several differ-
ent mills.
On the farm owned by Charles Nealy stood a small grist
mill, doing the grinding of the corn and other grains produced in
the community ; and on the opposite side of the brook was a small
saw mill which continued in operation many years. These mills
were probably built by Jonas Marsh, in 1840-1850; and were
later owned by L. Austin, Wm. Nealy and others.
Nearer the village on the same stream near the bridge on the
highway leading to the present home of Wm. C. Field, a shop
was built by Zanthy Reed in 1820, called a "Clothier's Shop,"
which was later enlarged and owned successively by John Lyman,
Daniel Lyman, H. E. Woodford, R. M. Clapp and others, and
finally by Augustus S. Wood. In 1845 this factory, then under
the ownership of H. E. Woodford, was converted into a starch
factory, where the farmers of the town used to sell their potatoes
at 10 cents per bushel, to be converted into starch. Later, under
the ownership of R. M. Clapp and J. T. Clapp, the plant was
again changed, and made into a "Rake Factory" where wood hay
rakes and other implements were made. The last owner of this
property was A. S. Wood, who for many years manufactured
small wooden ware at this stand until in 1891 he dismantled the
mill, selling the real estate to W. C. Field, and moving the
machinery, &c., to the "Field Mill" at the "Corners" village,
where the business was continued, and is now being operated by
W. E. Buxton & Co.
In addition to these industries there were two or three saw
mills and shingle mills in the east part of the town, viz. : — A saw
mill on Lee River near the present residence of John Roakes,
which was operated for many years by Edgar A. Barney^ and
later by J. E, Burrows & Son, and a small shingle mill at West
Bolton, within the limits of this town, which was last operated by
W. C. Guyette.
It will be a surprise to most readers of this volume to khbw
that Jericho had, among its early industries, a distillery ; but such
is the fact. This distillery was situated on Mill Brook, near the
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VBRIMONT. 266
starch factory above referred to, and was operated for some
time by John Porter about 1820-'30.
About 1874 a Farmers' Co-operative Association was formed
by the farmers of this part of the town, for the purpose of manu-
facturing cheese, and a large and well equipped factory was
built on Mill Brook near the present home of Mrs. Gilbert Para-
dee. For many years under the efficient management of Henry
Borrowdale, Nathfin Benham, Edwin Humphrey, Jesse Gloyd
and others this association did a large and profitable business;
until the advent of creameries in the '90s, for making butter
seemed to furnish a more profitable outlet for the milk, and
cheese making at this plant was abandoned.
These various industries have all ceased operation. Not one
of these buildings is standing. Where once wheels hummed and
men worked at machines to supply local demands, nothing re-
mains but green grass and decaying dams.
This industrial decline was wholly caused by the evolution
of the manufacturing industries from the small, local mills, em-
ploying a few "hands," supplying the needs of a neighborhood,
to the centralized, complicated factories making goods for a
nation.
In 1904 efforts were made by the late T. L. Bostwick, to re-
vive the manufacturing industry of the community; he having
conceived a project to take the old Universalist Church at this
village, which had been in complete disuse for many years, and
convert the same into a factory to make wood toys, wash boards,
&c. He obtained possession and ownership of the property from
the Universalist State Convention, and in company first, with Mr.
James Donnelly of Vergennes, and later, with Messrs. Alfred
Goodell and E. H. Enos of Salem, Mass., he bought and installed
a gasolene engine, machinery, &c., and began the manufacture of
the above mentioned goods. For two years or more, they did a
considerable business, employing several men, and selling their
product to several large firms in New York City.
Later the partners withdrew, and Mr. Bostwick continued
the business alone until 1910, when he sold all his property to Mr.
E. H. Smith, who continued the business two years longer, and
then dismantled the factory, sold the machinery to various parties,
and sold the building to the Ladies' Aid Society of the Congrega-
266 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
tional Church for a village and community hall; giving them a
favorable opportunity, and a very low price for such a purpose.
The mercantile business at the Center from the first settle-
ment of the town, has been largely done by one store, which store
has been doing a continuous business at the same stand for over
a century. We refer to the store now, and for the past thirty-one
years conducted under the name of Jordan Brothers; by H. W.
Jordan and E. B. Jordan until the death of the senior partner in
1911, and since then, by the junior partner.
This business was established by Pliny Blackman over one
hundred years ago; and was afterwards conducted by Frederick
Fletcher, Erastus Field, Henry C. Blackman, Blackman & Lane,
E. H. Lane, Lane & Pierce, E. H. Lane & Son and Joi-dan Bros,
in the order named; Judge Lane conducting the business either
alone, or with others, the longest period (about thirty-five years)
and Jordan Brothers being next in length of consecutive business.
The first business done was largely in the few staple groceries
of the time: tea, molasses, spices, etc., and "rum;" Jamaica rum,
Holland gin and other like products being a large part of the
stock in trade.
Mr. Pliny Blackman used to "go to market" once a year, and
made several trips to Montreal, hauling his "barter," (wool, grain,
etc.), to Winooski Falls. Building a raft below the falls and load-
ing his "barter" thereon, he would make the journey by raft and
sail down the river to the lake, down the lake and the St. John's
River to Montreal; there exchanging his "barter" for currency,
and buying what little merchandise he needed, he would return
by trail and road to his home. The business of those days was
almost entirely "barter"; the farmers exchanging at "the store"
their wool, grain, eggs, dairy products, etc., for what few articles
they needed and did not themselves produce. For many years
Judge Lane was one of the most prominent and influential men
iii town ; and several other proprietors of this store have been
closely identified with the business and public interests of the
town.
Because of the lack of industries and public utilities, the vil-
lage has always been small, and the demand for mercantile estab-
lishments limited, and only one store doing business much of the
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 267
time. At times, however, there have been two stores, and even
three, doing business at the same time.
About 1850, a branch of the New England Protection Union,
a co-operative organization of farmers and others, for co-oper-
ative mercantile business, etc., was organized in town, known as
"Division No. 116, N. E. P. U.," and a small store was started in
the shop building now standing on the farm owned by L. W.
Eldredge. In 1853, the Union, with John T. Clapp, John Cham-
bers and Orley Thompson as directors, bought a house on the
south side of the common at the Center, then owned by Horace
A. Dixon, and converted it into a store building, and moved the
business to that stand. In 1857, James Bent, W. R. Macomber
and Nathan Benham as directors, sold the property to John Smith,
and a new organization, known as the "Jericho Stock Company,"
an entirely local organization, was formed to take over the busi-
ness with John Smith as President.
Later, the business became a private venture, and was run
successively by James Morse, Osman Stimson, Cyrus C. Lane,
and finally by W. T. Lee and T. J. Haskins, under whose owner-
ship the goods were sold out, and the building sold to Edmund
Martin in 1875.
In 1890 Barton W. York, who had been for a year previous
clerk for Jordan Bros., started a small grocery store and order
route, occupying first the little shop building on the Mary Lyman
premises, and later, moving into the little building just back of
the old academy building, at that time owned by T. L. Bostwick.
On the death of Mr. York in 1894, the goods and business were
sold to M. C. Whitney, who conducted the business until 1895,
when Messrs. F. A. Fuller and E. T. Scott purchased the same,
continuing until 1898, when Mr. Scott withdrew from the part-
nership and Mr. Fuller went on with the business individually
until 1899, when he also retired, closing out the goods to Jordan
Bros. The following year, Messrs. A. K. Morse and F. G.
Pease started a similar store at the same stand and have con-
tinued the business until the present time.
In 1902 T. L. Bostwick established a grocery and shoe store
in the front part of the large building he had erected in 1898;
operating the same in connection with his painting and cabinet
making business until 1905, when, desiring to enter the manu-
268 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
facturing business heretofore referred to, he closed out the goods
to Jordan Bros.
In 1914 F. D. McGinnis bought the Bostwick building above
referred to, put in a stock of goods, opened up for business and
is now conducting the same. In addition to the mercantile in-
terests at the Center, there are other industries common to our
country villages, viz. : — The Borden Condensed Milk Co. of New
York have a milk receiving and cooling station at this village,
where the milk from the dairies of the community is received,
cooled and then transported to the central plant at Richmond.
They also have a small feed store house in connection with the
station, from which they supply dairy feeds, etc., to their patrons
and others.
F. M. Hoskins is the present "village blacksmith," having
had a long line of predecessors at the same stand. Dr. M. O.
Eddy is the present village physician, having located here in
1911 ; succeeding Dr. H. D. Hopkins, Dr. A. S. C. Hill, Dr. F. H.
Cilley, Dr. A. B. Somers, Dr. F. F. Hovey and Dr. Jamin Hamil-
ton, and others who were here for short periods of time. Two
of the above named physicians. Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Hovey,
were located here for long terms of service ; Dr. Hamilton prac-
ticing for about 25 years, and Dr. Hovey for over twenty years.
Dr. Somers became later a noted physician of Lincoln, Neb., and
is still practicing in that city.
Mr. F. G. Pease has been the undertaker at this part of the
town for some years ; doing service not only in this town, but the
surrounding towns as well.
Mr. F. S. Ransom has been, for fifteen years or more, the
contractor and builder for this vicinity, employing a considerable
force of carpenters and laborers in his extensive building and re-
pairing operations throughout this section.
Mr. I. R. Ballard is now, and has been for several years, the
painter and paper hanger for the community, employing part of
the time one or two men.
It will thus be seen that the varied wants of the community
are well provided for.
In addition to the business interests of the community, it
always had, and still maintains those religious, educational and
social interests that mean so much to any village.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 269
The Congregational Church at the Center is one of the oldest
church organizations in Chittenden County, having celebrated its
centennial anniversary in 1891 ; and maintaining a continuous
work for nearly 125 years. We would refer you to the chapter
on churches, elsewhere in this volume, for a record of the history
and work of this church.
The schools at the Center include all grades from primary,
to college preparatory ; the town high school being located at this
village. These schools have, for the past twenty years especially,
been doing good work, and have maintained a high record of
efficiency and scholarship. We refer you to a sketch of the high
school, and of the other town schools elsewhere in this volume,
for interesting facts concerning them.
A Grange was organized in 1909, with its meetings held in
this village, and has kept up its work to the present time, with
success and growth.
During the past thirty years, the following new buildings
have been erected in this village, viz. : — The schoolhouse, parson-
age, Jordan Brothers' store, the T. L. Bostwick block, and the
residences of A. B. Puffer, A. C. Hoskins, F. S. Ransom, and Dr.
Eddy. And the following residences have been so completely re-
paired and improved, as to almost pass for new buildings, viz. :
residences of G. C. and C. C. Bicknell, Geo. E. Cunningham,
Jordan Bros., Mrs. J. W. Hart and Miss Warner; besides very
considerable repairs and improvements on almost every other
building in the village.
It will thus be seen that, though the village is small and some-
what isolated, it affords many attractions for residence, and has a
stimulating history ; and that it has performed, and no doubt will
continue to perform well its functions as a benefit to the material
and higher interests of the town.
JERICHO VILLAGE.
By L. F. Wilbur.
Jericho Village is pleasantly situated on Brown's River,
which winds its way nearly westward at this place, and is on the
western side of the town near the line between Jericho and Essex.
270 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Being on the thoroughfare from Burlington to Lamoille County
and the northeastern part of the state, and • possessing excellent
water power, the village grew rapidly in its early days. Saw
mills, grist mills, carding works and woolen mills were erected,
utilizing this water power. Stores, shops, a tavern and a distillery
were erected. Merchants, mechanics, millers, lawyers and physi-
cians found a place for their activities.
Merchants. — Old inhabitants say that one John Fassette
was at an early day engaged in the mercantile business in the
village, but the writer has been unable to ascertain how long he
carried it on. A short time previous to 1824 William A. Prentiss
and Thomas M. Taylor had a store on the north side of Main
Street just below the Barney Tavern. This firm, and later
Prentiss alone, continued the business till 1832, when it was sold
to Frederick Fletcher, who became the owner of the store
building now occupied by E. B. Williams. Till 1843 Fletcher did
a thriving business, and largely on credit. The credit method
was a matter of necessity, as the farmers had Uttle money to
pay down for goods and made a practice of settling twice a year,
in October with cattle and in January with grain. These were
times when merchants kept on hand rum and molasses to please
their customers and make large profits.
George B. Oakes before 1845 was keeping a store in a part
of his house now occupied by Mrs. W. W. Ring. Bliss and Oakes
carried on the same line of business awhile on the east side of
the highway east of the Barney Tavern in a house burned in
1906. In 1845 George B. Oakes bought the Fletcher store.
Oakes and George H. Peck formed a partnership, and were suc-
ceeded by Oakes alone, in 1852 by L. J. Bliss and Co., in 1855 by
a union store carried on by Spaulding and Blodgett till 1857, and
two years more by George B. Oakes and James Morse. Then
the union business was closed out, and there followed Orson H.
Shaw till about 1864, A. B. Remington till 1869, George H.
Hill till 1871, L. P. Carleton till 1874, Vespasian Leach till 1882,
Frederick Simonds till about 1890. Since then E. B. Williams
has dealt in general merchandise in this so-called Fletcher store.
On the south side of Main Street opposite the Barney Tavern
several dififerent parties have successfully carried on business.
A large storehouse standing there was in 1848 fitted up as a store
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 271
by Erastus Field and Ferdinand Beach. The successive firms at
this place after Field and Beach were Beach and (L. B.) Howe
from about 1852 till about 1866, Henry M. Field and Hira A.
Percival till about 1872, John A. Percival and Edwin E. Oakes
till about 1874, when the store and goods were destroyed by fire.
About 1881 Wareham N. Pierce, who had been in trade at the
Center, built a large store on the same ground and carried it on
till about 1891. Then it was sold to The Home Market, an in-
corporated company, who rented to Suter and Lamphire, then
to Charles S. Suter, who carried on a dry goods business on one
side, and to B. A. Donaldson who dealt in groceries on the other
side, then to Donaldson alone for his grocery business. In 1903
the store, D. E. Rood's harness shop adjoining on the east and
the tin shop and dwelling house of Joseph Bissonette on the west,
were burned, and they have not since been rebuilt. When Pierce
built the store he finished off in the upper story several rooms
for offices and a Masonic Hall, the latter being occupied by
Macdonough Lodge several years.
Other Industries. — One of the industries of the village
was the distilling of rum and the manufacture of whiskey. The
distillery was erected previous to 1824 by Thomas M. Taylor
at the south end of the village near the present railroad trestle.
For many years a large amount of rum was distilled here. Fred-
erick Fletcher became a part owner with Taylor.
From first to last blacksmithing has called for the labor of
many strong men. Subsequent to 1856 Jesse Door and Henry
Parker had a shop across the street from the present store of E.
B. Williams. E. H. Prouty and Hubert Hebert and several
others have followed the trade in the brick building on the hill-
side. John Gerard carried on that business for H. M. and Anson
Field in connection with their manufacture of pumps and tubing.
In the shop below the covered bridge I. S. Dubuc, L. P. Carpen-
ter, and since 1906 Jed T. Vamey have worked in the black-
smith and wheelwright industry, and in very recent days the
repairing of automobiles has been added. Carriage painting is
done here by Willis Marsh. Michael F. Martin for many years
maintained a wheelwright and repair shop, as also did S. A.
Wright at this village. Louis F. Paradee has been in that busi-
ness.
272 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Anson Field, Sr., for many years before 1870 carried on the
manufacture of. furniture and the building of bridges. B. S.
Martin has for forty years served the community as a jeweler,
as did Albert C. Lowry for a short time. Among those who
have followed the millinery business are Thankful Butts, Mrs.
Susie Fassette, Mrs. Beulah Barney, Mrs. Lucia A. Smith, Mrs.
S. B. Wells and Mrs, Lucy Martin. Mrs. Martin has been thus
engaged for more than thirty years. E. H. Carter located here
as dentist about 1860, but after three or four years removed to
Burlington. Milton Ford about 1840 established an iron foundry
east of the village on the Lee River road where he made iron
castings and did all kinds of work usually done in a foundry, and
he was succeeded by his son, Addison M. Ford, who continued
the business till about 1890.
Harness making and repairing was done for many years by
Orlin Rood in his shop located across the street from the Barney
Tavern. The shop was burned in 1874 but rebuilt in 1875, and
Mr. Rood continued in the business till his death in 1881. His
son, D. E. Rood, who had been his partner, then became sole
proprietor. In 1903 he was burned out and now occupies a shop
adjoining his dwelling house near the railroad station. Peter
Gomo, who had worked for the Roods, set up business for him-
self in the building formerly the law office of L. F. Wilbur, and
his son, Ernest, has continued it since the father's death in 1909,
but has removed to a house near the depot.
A creamery has been maintained opposite the station since
1898. Y. G. Nay erected it at that time and operated it seven
years. After changing hands -several times, in 1915 it was pur-
chased by the Jericho Cooperative Creamery Company. The
dairymen in this vicinity have found it a convenient place to dis-
pose of their milk.
A tin shop has been maintained here by Joseph Bissonette
for nearly 50 years. His shop for many years, stood just west
of the old Beach and Howe store. All kinds of tin ware and
sugar utensils were manufactured and a hardware trade con-
ducted. Shoemaking for more than 20 years previous to 1903
was carried on by William J. Gibson. S. H. Clark followed the
business here about 1886.
HISTORY OF JERIOHO, VERMONT. 273
The grocery trade as a separate business has been conducted
for the past 35 years at dififerent places by Harlow N. Percival,
B. A. Donaldson, Chesmore Bros., E. W. Curtis, H. T. Chase,
and now by Prank E. Hanley.
Hotels. — The hotel of the village, usually called "Barney's
Tavern," burned in 1904, was built by Truman Barney before
1817 and was kept by him for a few years, but the landlords have
been numerous. Among the first were John Delaware and
Erastus D. Hubbel. James McNasser for several years before
1852 was its genial and enterprising host. Soon after 1852 the
property came into the hands of Martin C. Barney, and it was
kept by him and his wife, Maria, who served as landlady with
great tact and ability, till about 1870. A part of the time Julius '
H. Ransom, their son-in-law, was associated with them in the
business. After 1870 the hotel was rented to other parties, then
sold to Solomon M. Barney, who ran it a year or two, and in
1880 sold to Ferdinand Beach. He thoroughly repaired it and
named it The Beach House. It was leased to C. N. Percival,
then to F. D. Gilson for about three years, sold to J. H. May,
who conducted the house till 1891, then leased to Zeph Hapgood,
who ran it several years, and then sold to William and Olive Fol-
som. Its destruction in 1904 removed an old landmark. In
1905 Folsom purchased the house across the street recently owned
by W. W. Ring, and kept it as a hotel till he died in 1909. Luther
Prouty opened a hotel about 1865 in the brick house on Church
Street where Hiram Tilley now lives, and ran it in connection
with a livery stable till 1867, when he sold the property to L. M.
Stevens. George Foster has now opened a boarding house on
Mill Street that accommodates some employed in village industries
and also travelers.
Mills, Factories and Water Power. — On Brown's River
are seven water privileges, six of which have been utilized in
various industries.
Number One is below the covered bridge. On this site.
On the west side of the river, Joseph Sinclair sometime before
1836 built a sawmill which did a flourishing business till it was
carried away by a flood in 1903. The successive owners were
Truman Barney, Truman Galusha, L. B. Howe, Henry Parker,
R. M. Galusha, Alexander McLane and Rodney Barney, George
274 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Wright, Rodney Barney, Walter Debuc, E. W. Curtis and R. M.
Galusha, and E. W. Curtis. While Curtis was the owner, it was
swept away, and the site was sold to Joseph H. Williams and Co.
On the opposite side of the river were three buildings below the
bridge. The upper one was a factory for the manufacture of
woolen cloth, the next one was used for carding wool and the
third one for cloth dressing. The first one was built by Mat-
thew Barney, the others by Truman Barney, his father, all of
them about 1820. The first and third ceased to be used for the
purposes intended before 1856, but the third was altered for card-
ing wool and making cider and was so used till about 1900. The
two lower buildings have been taken down. The factory has
been used as a store and tin shop. The water power to run
the factory has been taken from the dam above the bridge and
that used in the lower buildings and the saw mill from the lower
dam. Since the saw mill was washed away, its site has been
used by Joseph H. Williams and Charles Laughlin for their
granite works. Williams died in 1915. The firm has been doing
a thriving business.
Number Two. — Above the covered bridge is the excellent
water power Number Two. At an early period a cabinet shop
and a starch factory were built and successfully run for many
years by Anson Field, Sr. At this place George B. Oakes about
1848 and for several years manufactured starch from potatoes
purchased at ten to fifteen cents a bushel. On this site the pres-
ent grist mill known as the Chittenden Grist- Mill was built by
James H. Hutchinson about 1854. (See Chapter on Historical
Jericho, also L. F. Wilbur's address). Hutchinson sold to Clark
Wilbur and H. A. Percival, they to Beach and Howe, and later it
was owned by L. B. Howe alone. Howe installed machinery for
making flour by the roller process and it was one of the first mills
in New England to adopt that process. He did a large business
in making flour besides custom grinding. Frank B. Howe, son
of L. B., about 1886 became a partner and upon his father's death
in 1899 succeeded the firm. About 1904 he sold out to M. S.
Whitcomb of Richmond, who ran the business till 1906, when the
present owner, Charles F. Reavy, purchased the property. Mr.
Reavy is doing a prosperous business.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 275
Site Number Four was occupied at an early date by John
Bliss, who built a stone grist mill there. This was the second
grist mill in this vicinity, the first having been built on water
privilege No. 7. It was run as a custom grist mill successively by
John Bliss ; Bliss, Geo. B. Oakes and Truman Galusha in com-
pany; Geo. B. and Wm. E. Oakes; Wm. E. Oakes and O. H.
Shaw until about 1866. Then it was conveyed to Ferdinand
Beach and L. B. Howe and then to Beach alone, and fitted up
and run for a short time as a pulp mill. Later it was leased to
Louis P. Carleton, who manufactured wood combs. In 1877 Beach
sold out to Henry M. Field, who did a flourishing business in
manufacturing chairs till about 1883. About 1891 A. S. Wood
purchased the factory and began the manufacture of small wood
articles. Three years later he was succeeded by Warren E. and
H. W. Buxton. This firm manufactures curtain rods, spindles,
chair dowels, hubs and spokes for toy wagons, mallet heads and
a large variety of other articles for which they use annually 150
cords of white birch.
On Site Number Five in the early history of the village
Simon Davis built a saw mill and a factory for the making of
pumps and tubing. This business was greatly enlarged by him
and his son-in-law, Henry M. Field, about 1856, and was still
more extended by Henry M. and Anson Field. For many years
and till about 1900 it supplied a wide territory in New England
and Eastern New York with wooden pumps and water tubing.
They are not now made, as iron pumps have taken their place.
On Site Number Six John Oakes before 1840 built a saw
mill that has been operated for the manufacture of large quantities
of lumber by John Oakes, Wm. E. Oakes, Hiram B. Fish, H. M.
Field, Anson Field, E. W. Curtis and Stephen Curtis successively
to the present writing. On the south side of the river H. M.
Field about 1872 established a plant to supply the village with
water, by erecting a tower and using the water power at this
place to pump water from Brown's River into a large tank placed
in the upper part of the tower. Prom this the water is conveyed
through pipes to the houses of the village. This plant was soon
after transferred to Anson Field and operated by him till his
death in 1913, and is now operated by R. B. Field.
216 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Site Number Seven, known as the Buxton Mill Privilege,
has an interesting history. But for this see Buxton family, Wil-
bur's Address and Historical Jericho in this volume.
On the north side of the river E. B. Williams in 1910 built
a two story lumber mill. He annually manufactures about 800,-
000 feet of lumber.
Schools, Churches, Etc. — The learned professions and
schools are treated elsewhere in this book. In the center of the
village on Church Street stands a large two story Graded School
building where three teachers are employed to instruct the chil-
dren who gather there. The village is well supplied with churches
that are located on Church Street. The Baptist and Methodist
societies have each a fine church building erected in 1858. The
Congregational Church building is a handsome brick edifice on a
large green and was erected in 1825 and 1826. The Congrega-
tional and Baptist buildings are each equipped with an excellent
church bell. Each of these two societies has a resident minister,
and the Methodist is supplied from Underbill. George B. Hul-
burd, who came here in 1894, is the resident physician and a prac-
titioner of recognized ability. Dr. William Cashmore has a wide
reputation as a skilful veterinarian. L. F. Wilbur is the only
lawyer here, and has been in the active practice of his profession
since 1857.
^ The village in addition to its public buildings and places of
business has seventy-five dwelling houses with well kept lawns
and the streets are lined with elms and maples. The cemetery
at the rear of the brick church has many fine monuments and is
admirably cared for by the incorporated Jericho Cemetery Associ-
ation which has funds for that purpose. The views from this
spot anfl from many places in the village are superb. They cover
a wide range of territory including Mt. Mansfield and Camel's
Hump on one side, Mt. Marcy and Whiteface on the other, vari-
ous peaks of the Green and Adirondack mountains, and hills and
woods and farms in every direction.
The Burlington and Lamoille R. R., owned by the Central
Vermont and operated by the Grand Trunk R. R., strikes the vil-
lage near the east and west ends. The station accommodates
not only the people in the immediate vicinity, but those at Jericho
Center, the east part of the town. West Bolton, and eastern part
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 277
of Essex. The convenient railroad accommodations, the excel-
lent churches, the good school and the abundant water power,
which might be utilized to a much larger extent, combine with
other attractions which have been mentioned to make a strong
inducement for people to come hither for residence and for busi-
ness purposes.
THE BUSINESS INTERESTS AND THE BUSINESS
MEN AT RIVERSIDE.
By C. H. Hayden.
Whitcomb & Day Store.
The most important business stand, in the past at least, has
been the old white store commonly called the Whitcomb & Day
Store. This building originally was a tin shop. Then it was
fitted up for a Union Store, with Edward S. Whitcomb, Sr., as
agent. Later, however, Mr. Whitcomb had a stock of merchan-
dise of his own. May 1, 1865 his son Edward S. Whitcomb, Jr.,
formed a partnership with Buel H. Day under the firm title of
Whitcomb & Day, who continued a flourishing business for many
years, their annual sales often exceeding $60,000. This enter-
prising firm interested themselves in other lines of business such
as manufacturing cheese and later operating the steam mill and
kindred activities.
These varied interests proved to be the means of support for
many families and brought to this community much other busi-
ness. For a further description of the cheese factory and the
steam mill, see Day genealogy.
In about 1880 Whitcomb & Day sold their stock of merchan-
dise to L. H. Chapin, who continued an excellent business for
10 years. His successor was Barney Ell Mead, who did business
only a few years. In 1894 C. H. Hayden moved a stock of mer-
chandise from Essex to this store, where he continued to do
business until 1911, when he moved across the green to a newly
fitted store of his own, where he still continues in general mer-
19
278 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
chandise business. The Whitcomb & Day store was soon oc-
cupied again by John A. McKeefe, who at the present time is en-
gaged in meat and grocery business. Few business stands have
been so widely and favorably known as the Whitcomb & Day
store.
The Drug Store.
Early in his practice Dr. A. F. Burdick fitted up a Drug
Store opposite his residence, which for several years was con-
ducted in his own name. Later, however, Dr. W. S. Nay be-
came associated with him. For many years now Dr. Nay has
continued the drug business, at one time having had as a partner
Mr. Leonidas Hanaford, and later H. W. Rockwood, but at the
present time Dr. Nay is the sole owner. About eight years ago
the drug store and contents burned to the ground. Dr. W. S.
Nay in his usual energetic and business like way has built a fine
block upon the original site and is continuing the drug business
at the present writing.
The Thompson Store.
About 1886, Mr. Homer Thompson began the erection of a
store near the Underbill line and the railroad. This store Mr.
Thompson stocked at once, doing a considerable business in
groceries and farmers' supplies of a very general variety, includ-
ing wagons and machinery. Mr. Thompson soon fitted up a
building for tinware and hardware, and later erected a com-
modious grist mill just across the railroad track and yet within
Jericho limits.
Mr. Thompson thus did a very extensive business until
his decease in 1895. This business in all the different branches
was continued by his administrator, Thos. W. Thorp, until his
decease in 1899. Mr. Ira W. Thorp, administrator of both estates,
gradually closed out the stock of merchandise, tinware and hard-
ware. Hulette and Grace next stocked the store with groceries
and a general line and continued to do business a few years.
After their removal, Mr. Joseph Bissonette occupied the store
a few years with a stock of tinware and hardware. C. N. Stygles
then purchased the store property, stocked very heavily in general
merchandise and did a very extensive business for around 10
HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT. 279
years, and in turn sold his interests to Brown & Nay, which en-
terprising firm is now carrying on the business.
Mr. Ira W. Thorp as administrator continued the feed busi-
ness in the grist mill for several years, selling out his interests to
L. H. Pendleton, who greatly improved the property and built up
an extensive trade. Mr. Pendleton sold to J. E. Foster who is
the present proprietor.
E. J. Gallup & Son succeeded to the tin and hardware busi-
ness, building up a fine trade, and at the present time are erecting
a new block to care for their growing business.
Thus it will be seen that various business enterprises have
been gathered around the Thompson store, which has proven
central in fact, and almost ideal as a business stand.
Undertaking.
Nehemiah Prouty was, so far as the writer knows, Jericho's
first undertaker, who lived and did business on Lee River. Tru-
man Whitcomb, however, was the first to locate at Riverside,
doing business only a few years. He sold to James Hayden in
1882, who continued the business until his decease in 1890. Mrs.
Jas. Hayden & Co., represented by Edmund L. Martin, continued
the business until 1895, when it was purchased by C. H. Hayden
the present owner and proprietor. Mr. S. S. Thompson also did
undertaking for several years from his residence on Lee River.
This business was purchased by Wesley A. Church, who soon
sold the stock and equipment to C. H. Hayden, but who for
several years continued to do business for Mr. Hayden. And upon
his removal to Jonesville Frank G. Pease became Mr. Hayden's
representative, in which capacity Mr. Pease continues at the
present time.
Mr. George Planck for several years did undertaking at
Jericho Comers in connection with furniture business.
Business Men.
Of course it would be impossible to speak of all the men
who have done business at Riverside. The two who stand out
as especially capable are Mr. Whitcomb and Mr. Day. Of Mr.
Day's activities there is quite an account in the Day genealogy
280 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
and in other places in this volume. It ought to be said that these
two men, of fine ability individually, when associated together
became an especially strong firm. When Mr. Day removed to
New York City; it became Mr. Whitcomb's part to dispose of
the company effects and collect in the unpaid accounts. Succeed-
ing remarkably well in this, he continued the cheese factory busi-
ness until cheese making gaVe place to the separator and butter
making. Then he built up a very fine insurance business, all of
which yielded him good returns putting him in very comfortable
circumstances.
His activities, as was true of his partner Mr. Day, extended
to church, school and town interests. Mr. Whitcomb's 25 years
of service as superintendent of the Congregational Sunday School
was of great moment to the youth of our community. As a
school director and town superintendent of the public schools his
judgment was of great value, as lister and selectman he rendered
fine service to his town.
When Mr. D. W. Knight came in possession of the steam
mill, matters had been going rather badly, and not so many of the
recent proprietors had made so much of a success as they could
have wished perhaps. Mr. Knight, however, because of his
knowledge of the business proved to be the right man for the
place and did a large and lucrative business for several years.
Of the men who have moved from town and became es-
pecially successful, we refer to D. G. French, who is at present
president of the Arnold Print Works of North Adams, Mass, a
very responsible position. Mr. French is rated as a millionaire.
Mr. Eugene Bliss, son of Samuel Bliss, went to the great city of
Chicago and his rise in the business and financial world has been
phenomenal. He is easily a millionaire, is president of the
Metropolitan Trust and Savings Bank of Chicago, and is also
president of the S. E. Bliss Shafting Co. Several young men
from this section of Jericho are doing especially well, among
them Mr. Carl E. Day, son of Buel H. Day, at present a member
of one of Chicago's largest coat and suit manufacturing firms.
Mr. Hiram B. Day, son of Byron Day, has been a notable
success in the business world, being now a member of the firm
of Pray, Small & Day, cotton goods brokers, New York City.
Edward S. Whitcomb, Jb.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 281
The four Knight brothers all, though young, are attaining
excellent positions in the business world. Frank W. Knight is
the eastern sales manager for the Empire Separator Co., Bloom-
field, N. J. Arthur L. Knight and Fred A. Knight are with the
Sharpies Separator Co., West Chester, Pa. Merton R. Knight is
with the Gen. Electric Co., Schenectady. Doubtless there are
many others whose names might be referred to with equal pro-
priety of whose circumstances thp writer knows nothing.
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
PART SEVENTH.
THE BROWNS.
Edited by C. H. Hayden.
Probably there is no feature of the early history of Jericho
that is more interesting than the episodes connected with the
Brown settlement; possibly no family exhibited greater courage
and real strength of character than did the Browns. It is not
the purpose of the writer to extol unduly, merely to discharge
the debt of gratitude that I, in common with others, owe these
first settlers.
It was true nobility of purpose that induced this family to
leave what we have every reason to believe were comfortable
surroundings in Connecticut to make for themselves a home in
the forests of Vermont. Only by persistency and perseverance
could they make progress in their journey northward. Their very
needs taught them to invent the means to supply those needs, and
a brave spirit enabled them to meet privations and want, face the
rigors of climate, the dangers of the forest, and hostile savages.
In grateful memory of these settlers, the Brown Marker was
erected by their descendants, a photograph of which accompanies
this article. The reader will find in Part II a full account of
the exercises at the dedication of this marker ; which may be read
with profit in this connection. I am glad also at this point to
quote quite extensively from a letter written by Deacon Truman
B. Barney as follows :
In 1774 quite a large number of new settlers came up from
Connecticut and Massachusetts to make themselves new homes in
the great wilderness of the "New Hampshire Grants." Joseph
Brown, Sr. and his wife Hannah Brown with their two sons,
Charles Brown and Joseph Brown, Jr., were of this number.
Joseph Brown, Jr., was b. at Watertown, Conn., Nov. 10th,
1763, and Charles was some three or four years older. Wh^n they
284 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
arrived at Manchester, they found Thomas Chittenden and his
family and Capt. Thomas Barney ready to start for Vergennes
and north to Williston where Chittenden had bought a large tract
of nice land and proposed to make his future home. The Browns
had sold a small farm in Watertown, Conn., and Mrs. Brown
had received some three hundred dollars from her father's estate
and invested it in three hundred acres of land in the town of
Stowe. In order to reach the land they had purchased, they would
have to go to Vergennes and Williston, and then follow a line of
marked trees to the south end of "Old Mansfield Mountain" and
cross the Green Mountain Range at what is now known a;
Nebraska Notch. There was a rough road cut out to Vergennes
and the Aliens had cut a path through from there to their lands
on the borders of Lake Champlain where Burlington now is, and
built a block house at "Winooski Falls." From this place there
was a line of marked trees to Williston and from Williston
through to the Notch and then down the little river from what is
now "Lake Mansfield," that beautiful trout lake in the Notch,
which was then only a large Beaver meadow, to the Stowe and
Waterbury River. This was the course the Browns must take
to reach their lands. So they joined the Chittenden party. They
had two cows which they yoked up and hitched to a long light
sled on which they packed a little flour and corn-meal, salt, and a
few necessary things, and each one, taking what things they could
carry, started on their long tiresome tramp. They could go but
a short distance each day, but there were plenty of fat deer, fat
bears, and fine trout to be had so they had enough to eat and made
a good camp wherever night overtook them near some nice brook
or cold spring. Chittenden and his family and Capt. Barney ^
found their lands at Williston on the beautiful Winooski River,
and the Browns crossed the river and went on Itowards old Mans-
field following the line of marked trees. After two days they
came to the bank of a nice clear river which came down from near
the center of the west side of Old Mansfield and being quite tired
from their long rough journey they decided they would make a
good camp and rest a day or two before they should attempt to
cross the Notch. ' So they made a good pole, brush and bark tent
after the Indian fashion. The boys soon had all the fine large
trout needed for several meals, which they took from the river
15
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 285
which has ever since been known as "Brown's River." The
father shot a nice; fat deer which was peeping through the bushes
to satisfy his curiosity in regard to the new settlers and they were
thus well provided for. While they were cooking their supper,
they were very much surprised to see a man coming along from
the mountain following the line of marked trees and leading a
horse which had a ,bridle on, and a saddle with a few small
bundles tied to it. The man was much surprised to see them
camped there in the wilderness and was very glad to accept their
hearty invitation to take supper with them and rest over night.
He proved to be a wdl known land speculator from Albany, New
York, who had purchased a large quantity of land in Stowe and
had been over there for some time looking it over and also owned
quite a quantity of land in Jericho where they then were. He had
a plan of all the lots in Stowe with a short description of each lot
which he had secured from the original surveyor of the town.
So when Mr. Brown told him the number and grade of the lots
they had purchased, they found they were joining some of his
lots. He did not give a very encouraging description of these
lands, said much of it was rough, rocky and thin soiled and not
as good as the lands they were then camping on. He finally
offered to give them two hundred and fifty acres of his land which
they could see right there on the river for the three hundred of
theirs in Stowe. They were so tired with their long journey and
discouraged by the rough look of the mountain range before them
and also by the description given of the Stowe lands, that they
offered to give him their land there for two hundred and fifty
acres in Jericho and fifty dollars in money, but he said he would
not put any more money into the wild lands. But as he was about
starting off in the morning he said he would give them the horse,
saddle, and bridle, instead of the fifty dollars in money, and thus
they closed a trade. So the Browns became the first settlers in
Jericho, Vermont. They very soon made a comfortable small log
house and bam, cleared up several acres of the best land, made a
garden, planted some corn, sowed some wheat and oats and were
quite contented in their wilderness home. They continued to
clear up the land as fast as possible, gofin an acre of winter wheat
in the fall, and, when the first little snow came, the boys put the
yoke of cows on the sled and the horse on a light sled they had
286 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
made for him and went down to Williston and procured some few
things they must have for winter. They bought, two s)ieep and a
few hens of Gapt. Barney and three five pailed iron kettles of a
man who had come up to Williston from Bennington. They
worked hard all winter clearing up the land and in the spring
tapped one hundred and fifty maple trees, caught the sap in little
troughs they had dug out during the winter,, and boiled it in the
little five pailed kettles. ' The second year they had made such
good progress that they felt quite independent. They had become
good huntsmen and kept the family well supplied with all kinds of
choice game and secured quite a number of dollars' worth of nice
furs which they sold to a merchant from Vergennes. But during
the latter part of the summer the Indians became quite trouble-
some, coming in their canoes on the lake from Canada, and fol-
lowing up the rivers to the Vermont settlers and taking them
prisoners to get a bounty from the British at Montreal.
Chittenden and Capt; Barney considered it dangerous to stay
at Williston and so went to the south part of the state remaining
there until the end of the Revolutionary War. Brown thought
he was back so far in the forest that the Indians would not be apt
to find him, but in this he was mistaken, for one day a party of
them dropped in upon him and took him and the boys captives
to Montreal. They could not get any bounty for Mrs. Brown
and so left her to care for herself. She was a strong resolute
woman and determined to do the best she could by sticking to her
home and taking good care of the wheat they had, having strong
faith that Mr. Brown and the boys would find some way of es-
cape. For two months she stayed there alone, took care of the
garden and corn patch, milked the cows and saw that the stock
was all fastened up securely in the barn every night, so that the
bears, wolves, foxes and other wild animals could not get them,
and after a long time of hard work and dreary waiting had the
glad privilege of welcoming her husband and sons home again.
They had been kept in prison in Montreal until the British officers
decided they would not give a bounty for an old man and two
boys, as they wanted men able bodied, young men, able to do
military duty and as they did not answer the requirements of the
service they were finally told to go, which they were very glad to
do. They immediately commenced clearing up more land and
51^1:^1^,1^1^^^^^^^;^''^^^^^
1^ "^
By ^c^^a^ C^7^ -1^ Esqwre, Colonel Commmdanf of
the 3 ^Segment, in tic 2 Brigade and ^ Dtvisian oj the MilUia of
the State oJ Vermmt.
TO i^y-^^
YOU being elected
sergeant in thej^*^=^Compai)y in said
Ecpiment, by virtue of the authority to me given, reposing speci il trust in yr-ur pat-
riotism, valor and good conduct, I do by virtue of these presents, authorise and
ewpower you the said «s5w«*''^^** t^mrrf^ to act as>^^»Sc sergeant ia
said company.
You will, therefore, carefully and diligently discharge the duty olf^"^^^
sergeant in said coirpaiiv, according to military discipline and the laws of this
stjte hn^ you are hereby required to pay. due obedience to your superior officerSf
and all ofEcers and s Jdicrs under your command are hereby directed to ob( y you
as their ^/^.<5%r sergeant, fur which this shall be your sufiicicnt warrant.
Given under my handy this
eight hundred and. /^
Jay of
one thousand
X^^
Received fir record, this ^ ^'^ d.i"y of (fU^^^ A. D. 181^
itnd made entry, of the same in the Regimental Book, page as the law directs.
Jttest,
Adjutant of said Regiment.
Joseph Brown's Commission.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 287
securing the crops. They enlarged their house and barn and the
third year were quite comfortably situated, except that they were
in continual fear of the Indians. After working quite hard for a
long time, the boys decided to take a day or two off and go hunt-
ing and fishing for a change. Accordingly one fine morning they
started for the woods. A few days before a tailor by the name
of Olds came to their house to make up some clothes and was at
work by one of the windows where he could see out over
the cleared land and looking up from his work he saw a party of
twelve Indians coming from the woods towards the house. He
immediately opened a window on the other side of the room
and jumped out into the garden where Mr. Brown was at work
and said, "Indians, Indians, run for your life," and, taking a
course that would keep the house between him and the Indians,
Olds succeeded in reaching the forest and escaped without the
Indians seeing him. Mr. Brown used to say he never was more
pleased in his life then he was to see Olds run. He said, "he was
a little fat short legged man and being very scared every step he
took his heels flew up against his coat tails so that .they stuck out
like streamers. But Brown did not propose to run and leave his
wife. She was up stairs and when she heard a great noise, came
down and found a dozen great Indians dancing around the room.
When they saw her they all gave one of their dreadful war
whoops, and the leader of the party came up to her with a long
sharp knife in his hand to cut her throat as she supposed, but in-
stead of doing that he gave a loud laugh and cutting a string of
gold beads she had around her neck he went dancing around the
room and was greatly pleased that he had found such a rich
treasure.
Mr. Brown had two fine hunting dogs, one of them was very
large and fierce, as he expected he might have to fight for his life
he called the dogs to him and started to get his gun which was
hanging up under the stoop at the backside of the house, but
several of the Indians came rushing out of the back door and took
him prisoner. They formed a ring around him, gave several war-
whoops, brandished their knives, and tomahawks, and seemed to
be enjoying themselves very much, but did not show any desire to
injure him. So he thought from their actions and by the experi-
ence he had had with the first party that very likely they hoped to
288 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
get more money by taking them prisoners then by taking their
lives, so he offered no resistance. They then began looking
around to see what they could find. They killed both his cows,
his hog, and all the hens. They saved the best of the meat to
take with them. They then cut open the straw and feather beds
and took the ticks and blankets to tie up the things they wanted to
carry with them. Mrs. Brown had been doing up a week's bak-
ing in the great stone oven and had set out the loaves of bread,
pies, and cakes, on shelves in the back stoop to cool. The Indians
ate what they wanted and then cut up the rest of the bread and
spread butter on it and fed it to the dogs. After they had eaten
all they wanted, one old Indian suddenly jumped at the smallest
dog and knocked him over with his tomahawk, this enraged the
large dog very much and he sprang at the Indian, bit him through
his throat and threw him on his back. Then all the other Indians
sprang for the large dog, and seeing they were too much for him
he ran for the woods, and that was the last they ever saw of the
old dog. After taking every thing they could carry, they set the
house and barns on fire and buined everything up. They then
started with their prisoners for Malletts Bay where they had left
their canoes. These Indians were only a few of a large party
who had come up the lake from Canada. The test went on up
the Winooski River, down the White River to the Connecticut
River and then down to the east part of the state; Between
Winooski and Williston they captured an old hunter who had been
up to Mr. Brown's a few weeks before. He was taken sick and
kindly cared for at Mr. Brown's for some time. When he became
strong enough to go on he did so, leaving without even thanking
them for their kindness.
When the Indians had captured him, and he saw he would
most likely be taken into Montreal he told them if they would
let him go he would tell them where there was a man, his wife,
and two boys. This they agreed to and he showed them the line
of marked trees which led from Williston up to Brown's clearing.
They then let him go, but very shrewdly sent three of their num-
ber over the other side of a hill, and when he came over in that
vicinity they captured him again. So he did riot gain anything by
his act of treachery.
The Indians concluded the boys riiust be out in the woods
and so left three of their number to secure them when they re-
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 289
turned. The boys did not get back to the clearing until dark and
were of course very much frightened when they found every
thing burned up. The Indians hid behind a log in the fence, and
when the boys came up they jumped up and gave a loud war-
whoop. The boys immediately ran for the woods and as they
were well acquainted with the place they succeeded in avoiding
the Indians for some time. There was a piece of low brushy
swamp land down near the river, and the boys hid under some
trees that were turned up by the roots there, but after hunting
for some time the Indians found them and immediately started
with them for Malletts Bay. After an all night's tramp they
came up with the rest of the party where they were camping on
the lake shore. The party with Mr. and Mrs. Brown had reached
the bay soon after dark and immediately made up a large fire on
the shore.
The Indians ate quite freely of their raw pork, and one of
them cut out two, large pieces and brought them to Mr. and Mrs.
Brown with the grease running down between his fingers, they
could not eat the raw meat but did not dare to refuse it, and
so held it for some time until another old Indian came up and
took it, saying "good, good me eat." Mr. and Mrs. Brown had
managed to hide some bread and cakes in their clothing and ate
it after the Indians were asleep. In the morning the Indians
caught some nice fish and roasted them with some of the meat
and gave it to the prisoners ; this was very good and they enjoyed
it very much. They then packed all their things in their canoes
and the whole party started for Montreal, which place they
reached in a few days, where the Indians turned their prisoners
over to the British officers, who paid them eight dollars bounty for
each of their prisoners. The Browns were confined in a prison
near the officers' quarters and had to wait on them most of the
time for about three years. They had very little to eat except
the waste from the officers' tables. At the close of the; war of
the Revolution, they were set free and told to go home. But
they were all very nearly starved and their clothes all worn out
and they had no home to go to. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were too
feeble to start off on the long tramp to Jericho. So the boys
found a place where they could stay and do some light work to
pay for their board, while they found some work for themselves
290 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
and earned enough to get some good stout clothes, some boots,
a couple of good guns, and a good stock of ammunition, some fish
hooks and lines, a couple of good axes, and a few light necessary
things which they could carry in a bundle on their backs. They
then told their father and mother to keep up good courage and
they would return for them as soon as they could get a log house
built and things in such shape that they could live at their old
home. They then procured each of them a good heavy woolen
blanket to sleep in and packing up their things in as small com-
pass as possible started on their tramp through the woods to their
desolate old home in Jericho.
After two weeks of hard tramping and living on the game
they could secure, getting what rest they could at night on soft
boughs, they at last came to the old clearing. They at once
went to work building a small log house, planted a httle corn,
made a good garden, and then went down to Williston and found
Chittenden and Barney had returned to their farms with quite a
little stock, and many things for the comfort of their families.
They let the boys have a couple of cows, two sheep, a pig, a few
hens, a little flour, some corU-meal, and salt.
They made a light sled and yoke for the cows, packed what
they could on the sled and went back home feeling quite rich
once more.
The next week they made another trip to Williston for some
seed corn, some wheat, and oats, etc. They then sowed an acre
of wheat, a couple of acres of oats, and planted an acre of com
and more garden seed. After building a log bam so thSt they
could have a place to keep their stock safely, Charles weiit to
Montreal for their father and mother while Joseph, Jr., stayed
and took care of the things at home. He worked hard every day
cutting brush and scrubbing up the land and preparing another
piece for a fall crop of wheat so as to be in as good shape as pos-
sible for the long Vermont winter which he knew would try their
resources severely.
At the end of nearly a month he was rejoiced to welcome the
family home once more. They did not have any more trouble
with the Indians, and as peace was declared with England they
were relieved of the dreadful fear of capture and the destruction
of their home.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 291
They all worked very hard in clearing up the rest of their
land and every year saw many new improvements on the farm.
They built many rods of stonewall, and rail fence, and bought
one hundred acres more land, part of which they cleared for
pasture. In the meantime quite a number of new settlers came in
to town, and soon the great forests were being rapidly cleared up
and new houses built. Charles and Joseph, Jr., soon married
and divided the farm, Charles took the northeast part from the
town line to the Brown's River bridge and Joseph, Jr., the south
part. The father and mother lived with Charles, and Joseph, Jr.,
built him a house on the hill where the roads intersect from Rich-
mond and Jericho Comers with the old county road from
Winooski River to Underbill.
Joseph Brown, Jr. and Elizabeth Daily m. March 18, 1788.
Their first child, David Brown, b. May 4, 1792 ; Truman Brown,
b. Oct. 11, 1795; Joseph 3rd, b. Oct. 9, 1797; Tryphena, b. Oct.
15, 1799; Bela, b. Nov. 16, 1801.
After about 14 years of a hard working but happy life the
mother was taken away, and about a year after the father mar-
ried Polly Cady of Cambridge. She was a nice young lady who
had worked in the family and made a most excellent mother for
the children and also raised five children of her own : Elizabeth,
Lovica, Rufus, Polly and Lucius B. She lived to see all these
children grow up to manhood and womanhood and all were m.
except Lovica whose health was not very good. This woman
Polly Cady Brown was a most excellent specimen of a Vermont
mother of the early days, strong and resolute, but lov-
ing and kind. She kept all the children in their happy home un-
til they were of age and ready to go out for themselves, and was
always ready to give them a hearty welcome to the old home
whenever they could return. She also took a little son of Truman
Brown whose name was Eleazer and kept him until he was of
age. She was an earnest working member of the Methodist
Church, and she and Mr. Brown who was a member of the
Episcopal Church were careful to bring up the children in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, and had the satisfaction to
see tliem all become pien and women who could always be relied
upon in every good work, and highly respected wherever they
went. The Brown family were industrious, and learned to do
292 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
all kinds of work in the house and outdoors. Joseph Brown, Jr.,
always raised a nice piece of flax and prepared it in the best
manner for making up into household garments, and the mother
and girls were skilled in the manufacture of fine linen and woolen
cloths. This work all had to be done by hand ' in those days
and they all took much pride in seeing how nicely they could
do it.
Mr. Brown learned to tan hides of all kinds and to make
shoes and boots for the family. He also had a blacksmith
shop, and could shoe his horses and oxen, and do many jobs
of work needed on the farm. Thus much which others paid
out was saved and helped to make the family independent and
comfortable. The boys and girls were not idle, and running
about the streets, but were always engaged in doing something
for the comfort and enjoyment of the family. The boys were
good carpenters and could put up a good house or bam, shingle
and clapboard a building or mend any kind of wood utensils, etc.,
and spent many rainy days and winter evenings in the little
carpenter's shop in making things for use and comfort in the
home. Mrs. Brown always took great pride and comfort in
having the largest and best flocks of hens, geese, turkeys, ducks,
and fowls of all kinds, for which she received many dollars and
also supplied her own family with much of the choicest eating.
She had a full supply of the very best feather beds for her own
home and some for each of her children when they commenced
house-keeping. When there were children enough in the vicinity
of the Brown's settlement to need a school, they put up at first
a good log schoolhouse, and, as quite a number of the people were
members of the church, they called it "Church Street School-
house" and held meetings there quite often. Old Elder Fay
lived where the Gleason farm now is, and being a minister of the
Freewill Baptist denomination he often preached at this school-
house. One of the ministers of the Methodist denomination
generally had a preaching service there once a month, and Rev.
Breek Bostwick, an Episcopal minister, whose father and brothers
and sister lived there, often held service in this same Church
Stre.et Schoolhouse, and these meetings were always well attended
by people from all parts of Jericho and Underbill.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 293
At one time during the War of 1812, it was necessary to
convey a large number of troops from Burlington to Sacketts
Harbor and it became necessary to press all those who had good
teams into the service. Mr. Joseph Brown, Jr., had a good
span of horses and a large double sleigh, and was therefore among
the number who were obliged to go. It was very cold winter
weather, the snow was deep, and there were so many teams on
the road that it was very difficult to find comfortable places to
stop, and therefore it was very uncomfortable for all who had to
go, but there was no other way to do, as the government must
have the teams, and no one wanted to let his team go without be-
ing with them to see that they were fed and cared for as well as
possible. Mr. Brown went and had a very long cold journey, dur-
ing which he was often very hungry and could with great diffi-
culty get enough to keep his horses from suffering.
Referring to himself Mr. Barney says, "I think perhaps I
may be now the oldest of the Brown and Barney families who
has spent most of his life in Jericho, and I think Henry M.
Brown is the oldest bearing the Brown name who has spent all
his life there."
In looking over the list of the Brown and Barney families
and their descendants, I find that about 70 of the Browns and
their descendants and over 60 of the Barneys have lived in
Jericho at sometime."
Concerning the Browns, Wallace B. Fish writes as follows :
"In my opinion from researches made in the past, I believe
that the Brown family, which located in Jericho, were direct
descendants of the Browns that settled in Maine in 1617. They
had a Joseph and Charles; I traced a Nathaniel to this family.
Later a colony settled on the coast of Maine in 1617, coming
from the same section of England as the first, three years before
the Pilgrims landed, and assisted them in many ways especially
in the way of food. They had a trading post with the Indians.
The colony came from England with a fishing and trading outfit
and Joseph Brown was their leader.
About 1647 a part of the Brown family started out on an
exploring trip, they first landed in Portsmouth, N. H., from there
went to Boston and in time drifted to Rjiode Island. Here one
of them Charles remained, the others went to Stonington and
20
294 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
New London, Conn. After a while a part of them started
north, and in this party was a Joseph. This was a number of years
after they reached Boston. No dates to go by until in 1740 or
about that time a Joseph died in New Haven, Conn., and left a
Charles, Joseph, and Nathaniel, also two daughters. Joseph and
Nathaniel left for the North following the Connecticut River.
Nathaniel was married at the time they located in Middletown,
Conn., about 1741. Here I lost them as a jcombination, unless
a John Brown that located near Meriden, Conn., was of this
family. Some eighteen years ago I made the acquaintance of
an old gentleman by the name of Charles J. Brown, on a Newport
boat, who was very interesting and liberally educated. He was
88 years old and had the Browns down to a fineness. I gave
him my card, W. B. Fish, he at once wanted to know what the
B. was for. I told him for Brown, and that my grandmother,
on my father's side, was a daughter of Joseph Brown one of the
early settlers of my native town in Vermont. He at once replied
that I must have been born in Jericho, and asked me if I ever
knew Zina Brown. I said I did very w.ell. He then told me that
Zina was a distant relative of his, and that my grandmother
must have been Zina's aunt and that he and I were of the same
blood, and then he gave me much of the foregoing information
and said that the Providence Browns were a direct line of the
Browns that settled in Maine, in 1617, and that the Brown Uni-
versity of Providence was founded by the same strain of Browns.
I had much of their history before I met him, but his
knowledge helped to corroborate it."
The diflferences of opinion among the descendants regard-
ing the origin of the family, the route pursued to get to the
settlement, and other matters, are in the mind of the editor, more
in appearance than in reality. Then, knowledge was disseminated
from father to son, by word of mouth rarely by record, and
traditions through different families might easily become diversi-
fied. The essentials, however, seem to be confirmed in the minds
of all. Only matters of minor importance vary. Mr. B. H. Day
and Mr. Truman Barney trace the family ancestry to Connecticut.
Mr. Wallace B. Fish attempts to go back still farther to Browns
that came to Maine in -1617, and his assumption seems reason-
able. Again, Mr. Day pictures their coming up the Connecticut
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 295
and White Rivers and to the middle waters of the Winooski, then
down that river while Mr. Barney says they came by Rutland,
Vergennes, Williston, etc. The editor is unable to explain this
difference of opinion unless possibly there might have been two
'migrations. The other differences, principally in dates occur in
the genealogy of all families unless care is exercised to write or
print the record. So it has seemed best to print these differences
and to leave the matter to the reader to draw his own conclusions.
Hannah Brown's will is also given below :
HANNAH brown's WILL.
August the 20 1787 Jericho on onion River in the Name of god
Amen
As we are all mortal and my Self far gon in years i think it my
duty to settle my affaires my ReSon firm my Body in good health
my mind calm and quiet To prevent truble after my Death first
i bequeath my soul to god that gave it my Body to be buired in a
christian manner then to Settle worldly affaires to my well beloved
Son and Daughter Nathanael Brown philanice calevan as they
have had their portion and are gon and i expect nothing i give
each of them five shilling and to my well beloved Sons Timothy
Brown Charles Johnson Brown and Joseph Brown i do give one
hundred and fifty acres of Land to them and their heirs forever
in consideration they provide all things needful in sickness and
health and take care of us Joseph and Hannah Brown During
our naturul Life with a Decent burial after our Death the fifty
to timothy is apart of fifty eight the Last to be Divided, betwixt
Charles and Joseph is the Last Sixty two which we now Live on
this is my Last will and testament as witness my hand
Hannah Brown
Sarah Castle
Darius Post
Darius Post Jiur ,
The following incidents have been related to me by the
descendants of the Browns. It appears that Joseph Brown, Jr.,
in the War of 1812 was in the vicinity of Plattsburg, when he
was commandeered to haul military supplies for the army and
probably went as far as Sacketts Harbor. In obedience to these
296 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
commands he was absent from home for over two months,
being unable to inform his family of the reason of his enforced
absence. For these services, however, Mrs. Brown drew a small
pension from the government.
Joseph Brown, Jr., it is said with equally good authority was "
accustomed to team to Troy, N. Y., taking down produce and re-
turning empty. Upon one of the return trips he drew back a
bell which was placed in the Unitarian Church in Burlington, Vt.,
presumably the bell now in use.
Joseph Brown, Jr., was very fond of hunting and once pur-
sued a bear which took to flight by way of the creek. Mr. Brown's
dogs led in the chase and encountered the bear in the thick under-
brush where a lively fight ensued. The bear almost killed one
dog, but was himself killed by Mr. Brown after a severe struggle.
Mr. Brown at another time was hunting on Mt. Mansfield and
had secured a fine deer when night came on and he was compelled
to break thru the crust and scoop out the snow with his snow
shoe, thus making a temporary shelter. He placed the venison
in the hole and together with the dogs, himself covered with a
blanket only, he spent the night, — his sleep, however, was fre-
quently disturbed by the yawls of a panther, who was attracted
to the spot by the dogs and venison, but did them no harm.
During the Battle of Plattsburg, Sept. 11, 1814, a quarterly
meeting was being held in what is now a barn owned by Mr. A.
Bishop. The children remembered this meeting and how the
cannon could be heard distinctly. The women were weeping,
for many of the men of the settlement and Underbill had gone
as soldiers. Some of the children took a small stone and put in
a pile for each boom of the cannon they heard, and when the
battle was over they counted the stones to determine the number
of shots fired.
Other stories of their exploits in hunting might be given, —
for instance, Mr. Joseph Brown and his two dogs had chased
a deer far upon the side of Mt. Mansfield, and when secured it
had to be carefully watched thru the night against the attacks
of wolves and catamounts and the next day drawn home on a
large sled. On another trip when they were arranging their camp
for the night one of the dogs appeared with his mouth filled with
hedgehog quills. These, of course, Mr. Brown had to stop and
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 297
extract, a not unusual procedure, and he had hardly finished
when the other dog came in a similar predicament.
Our own grandfathers were the little children of those far
off days. How interested they must have been as they gathered
about their aged grandsire, while the huge logs in the old fire-
place glowed out heat and comfort to the household, to listen to
his thrilling narratives of the hardships and adventures of these
early settlers. And so for the moment, the writer has turned
aside from the fact and theory to the incidental, in the hope
that a little touch of the human might thus be given to the
matter in hand, — i. e. the preservation in permanent record of the
deeds of our ancestors.
HISTORY OP JERICHO. v!eRMONT. 299
PART EIGHTH.
Treating of Miscellaneous Subjects.
Collected and Edited by C. H. Hayden.
Chapter I.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE FLOOD OF 1914.
By C. H. Hayden.
The eastern side of Jericho reaches back upon Mt. Mansfield
and the mountains adjacent. These, because of the height, often-
times seem to delay the clouds and storms until their moisture
has been precipitated or a current of air has swept them else-
where; and it happens not infrequently that two or even three
storm clouds from different directions become merged around
the mountain peaks whose cooling atmosphere greatly hastens
precipitation, thus producing what is familiarly known as cloud-
burst. These are the forerunners of floods always resulting
in damage.
The worst within the memory of our oldest inhabitants, and
probably in the history of the town, occurred July 8, 1914, be-
tween 6 and 7 o'clock P. M., when three clouds, one from the
south, another from the west, and still another from the north-
west came together over the eastern portion of the town, where-
upon the downfall of rain was exceedingly copious. In one place
8 inches fell in an hour and a half, in another place 12 inches
in the same length of time, and concerning the accuracy of these
measurements there can be no question.
The resulting flood was most disastrous as will be seen from
the following excerpts taken from the Jericho Reporter :
"A violent storm accompanied by the most terrific thunder
and lightning known here for many years, passed oyer the town
300 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
of Jericho on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 8th, between
four and six o'clock.
"All the farm lands near the banks of the river have suffered
damage, not only crops of hay, corn and potatoes, so washed
and filled with sand and debris as to be worthless, but acres of
soil carried downstream, and the surface covered with rocks,
gravel, fallen trees torn up by the roots, and other debris. Of
nine bridges across the stream seven were washed away.
"The roadway .approaching the bridges was cleaned out to
the depth of the river bottom and in several instances for several
hundred feet in length. Over two miles of the road-bed of the
highway which runs alongside of the river were washed away,
in some instances to a depth of five or more feet.
"The resulting damage to the town in the loss of bridges
and highways is variously estimated at from eight to ten thousand
dollars.
"The destruction of the crops and damage to the lands of the
farmers will also run well into the thousands of dollars. Acres
of grass just ready for cutting now lie flattened to the earth
and covered with a deposit of gravel, sand and mud. Fields of
grain, com, and potatoes were either washed away or lie buried
with the silt.
"The sorry and pathetic sight of it all is the condition in
which the meadow of the Prouty place now owned by N. P.
Gravell is left. This is a small farm of twelve acres lying
alongside the river upon which was a nice apple orchard and
fine' growing crops. Practically nothing is left of the place ex-
cepting the land upon which the house and barn are standing
and about a half acre of land at the upper corner, and now where
there was a fine garden and crops is a broad expanse of river
bottom of stones and boulders. Everything including the soil
to a depth of from three to five or more feet having been carried
down the stream. When the water had risen so as to cover the
doorstep of the house the family decided it were better to leave,
and narrowly made their escape by crossing the road to the top
of the stone wall along which they walked for some distance to
a place of safety. Mr. Gravell, a hard working man, and well
along in years, purchased the place for a home about two years
The Pcood, July 8th, 1914. Ruins of Road and Meadow.
The Gravell Place.
W. J. CoTEY Meadow on Lee Rivee, Ruined by Flood.
Home of N. P. Gbavell. Neaely a Complete Ruin from This Flood.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 801
ago and had done much in improving surrounding conditions.
His plight is a sorry one.
"Two bridges on Mill Brook in the southern part of the
town were carried away by the high water. One near the
Hanley farm in Nashville and one near the home of H. E. Bates
in the Winooski Valley. Mr. Bates' dam and a shop also went
out and were carried under the iron bridge below and into the
Winooski River. The bridge near the farm of W. C. Field was
loosened from the foundation and partly turned over. No other
special damage was done by this river.
"It is believed that not since the great flood which was
about sixty-five years ago, on or about the year 1849, has there
been so much damage done to the town. It is remembered by
Geo. Cunningham that on that occasion the rain poured for
three hours, or from six to nine P. M. and the lightning seemed
like one almost continuous blinding flash. The damage at that
time was mostly on Mill Brook, the bridges were all taken off,
the channel widened so that in West Bolton, and on the Leary
farm in Jericho, large tracts of fertile meadow and pasture were
so covered with stones and gravel, that they have never been
fully recovered to fertility."
The accompanying cuts will indicate to the reader the
havoc wrought about Mr. Gravell's place and represent fairly the
damage done by the flood in the six mile sweep to the Brown's
River.
Chapter II.
JERICHO TOWN LIBRARY.
By Mrs. Jennie W. Hart.
In the year 1899, according to a statute law of the State, any
town not having a free public library, might receive one hundred
dollars' worth of books from the State, providing it complied with
certain conditions, viz.: Elect in town meeting a board of five
library trustees, who should make application to the State Free
302 HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT.
Library Commission for the books, the town binding itself to
appropriate annually a specified sum, according to its grand list
towards the maintenance of the library, also provide a suitable
place for keeping the books, and appoint a librarian. A few
people of the town- being eager that the town should avail itself
of this provision of the State, caused the following article to be
inserted in the warning for the March meeting of 1899, viz.:
"To see if the town will elect a board of library trustees and in-
struct them to make application to the State Board of Library
Commissioners as provided by statute." The matter was presented
in the meeting by L. F. Wilbur, who for the further encourage-
ment of the town to act in the matter, ofiFered to add twenty five
dollars, to the twenty five which would be the annual appropria-
tion required from the town, thus starting the library witli one
hundred and fifty dollars' worth of books. The town accepted
the gift from Mr. Wilbur, voted the appropriation required, and
elected the following board of trustees, viz. : Rev. Chas. E. Hay-
ward, Mrs. Mary C. McGibbon, Anson Field, Mrs. Jennie W.
Hart, and L. F. Wilbur. Mrs. Hart was appointed librarian.
The term of office for the first trustee named on the board was
one year, and of the last, five years, one going out of office each
year, and another being elected in his place, or he might be
elected as his own successor. Mr. \Mlbur, Mrs. McGibbon now
Mrs. Hale, and Mrs. Hart have been in office continuously, until
the present year, when Mr. Wilbur declined reappointment, and
Mrs. Hart has acted continuously as librarian.
The following is a clipping from the Burlington Free Press
dated Sept. 9, 1899 : "In spite of the rain, quite a goodly num-
ber of our townspeople were assembled in the school building
hall, at Jericho, the evening of Sept. 1st, the occasion of the
formal announcement, that the new Free Public Library is now
open for the benefit of all the citizens of the town who wish to
avail themselves of it."
The occasion was marked by appropriate exercises, the main
address of the evening given by Rev. Earl Wilbur.
At the opening of the library, and each time purchases were
made, the books were divided into three equal divisions, each
village in town receiving a third of the whole number of books,
and in each village, some benevolentiy disposed lady was found
lim'I'dliv nii< ,1111111(111(1, VlilliMON'l'
11(111
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304 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
the summer before, and thus testified his interest in his father's
native place.
Other lesser gifts have been received, both of money and
books, including three or four hundred books from a private
library association in town, at the start, twenty-five dollars from
the Ladies' Aid Society of the First Congregational Church, some
money from sales and entertainments, and for the last three years,
the town has doubled the annual appropriation, making it $50.00.
The library could use to excellent advantage more money
with which to buy books, as, during the school year, there are as
many distributing centres as there are school districts, also a
building, if the library continues to grow as it has, will soon be
a prime necessity.
Chapter III.
GRAND ARMY AND RELIEF CORPS.
The accompanying cut shows the G. A. R. Hall situated in
Jericho, but near the Underbill line, together with a group of
Grand Army men. The cost of this building and its fittings has
exceeded $3,000.00, yet it was paid in full and quite promptly,
due to the energy and enterprise manifested by members of the
Post and the Corps. The building also affords the community
a hall for various' public gatherings, entertainments, etc., a neces-
sity in village life. Decoration Day exercises have been a yearly
occurrence since its dedication and even before. The attendance
upon these occasions has always been large and enthusiastic,
often phenomenal, exceeding all other days and occasions of the
entire year. The following write-ups of the Post and the Corps
are given in full :
THE POST.
Written by Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer.
L. H. Bostwick Post, No. 69, was organized in Underbill,
December 12th, 1883, with 43 charter members, who were re-
cruited from Underbill, Jericho, and adjoining towns. Three
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 305
of this number were transferred from Post 10 in Cambridge.
The Post was named for Captain Lucius H. Bostwick, who was
b. in Jericho, Sept. 24, 1837, the only son of Julius Hoyt Bost-
wick, and Christia Chadwick Bostwick. He enlisted as Lieu-
tenant in Co. F, 13th Regiment Vt. Volunteers, Sept. 10th, 1862,
and was promoted to Captain in March following. After a few
months of faithful service he was stricken with disease, and died
in Washington. His body was brought to Vermont, and laid
to rest among the green hills which he loved. A fine picture of
him was presented to the Post by his sister, Mrs. Mary C. Walton,
who also gave a generous sum towards the hall building. The
Post is honored in bearing and thus keeping in remembrance the
name of such a true man, and honored soldier. The first meet-
ing of the Post was held in the upper room of the Old Academy
where they organized with the following officers: L. F. Terrill,
Commander; J. J. Monahan, Senior- Vice; W. W. Wheeler,
Junior- Vice; A. C. Humphrey, Adjutant; A. W. Terrill, Quar-
termaster; A. F. Burdick, Surgeon; F. D. Gilson, Chaplain; W.
H. Hilton, Officer of the Day ; William Burroughs, Officer of the
Guard.
Memorial Day and Memorial Sunday services were estab-
lished, and so much interest was manifested in their observance
that the towns of Underbill and Jericho each appropriated twenty-
five dollars yearly to assist the Post in thus honoring the memory
of their comrades who have fallen.
Post meetings were held in the Academy nearly six years,
but the desire for a hall of their own was growing, and at a meet-
ing in March, 1889, the advisability of building was discussed and
a committee appointed to devise ways and means. This com-
mittee consisted of J. J. Monahan, A. C. Humphrey, Victor
Lovely, S. A. Hale, and T. S. Whipple. In April this committee
called on citizens of that town to ascertain how much outside
help could be obtained, and met with a generous response in addi-
tion to the amount subscribed by the comrades. The funds were
entirely inadequate to the work planned, but the comrades had
faith, and were willing to work, and these qualities helped them
to win out. In May, 1889, an association was formed having
for its object, "To acquire, hold, manage and dispose of property
in the towns of Jericho and Underbill for the benefit of L. H.
306 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Bostwick Post, No. 69, and also in their discretion for the benefit
of L. H. Bostwick Corps, No 19, and the association known as
George A. Custer Camp, No. 7, Sons of Veterans ; also to make
and carry into efifect such by-laws, rules and regulations as
thought proper for the management of the association."
At the May meeting a building committee was appointed
consisting of Comrades Morehouse, Burroughs, and Woodruff.
Comrade Morehouse was made treasurer and he presented to the
Post the land on which the hall was erected, an addition to the
land being purchased later. The comrades worked with great
energy furnishing both labor and money, and soon the foundation
was laid. The building was ready for dedication, Sept. 11th.
There were suitable addresses and music, and a fine dinner was
served to a large and enthusiastic crowd. There have been
many and expensive alterations in the hall in the years since its
erection, but to the comrades it has been a home all these years.
There have been over one hundred names on the Post records
since its organization and the following comrades have served as
Commander for one or more terms : L. F. Terrill, A. C. Humph-
rey, George Laselle, S. A. Hale, H. H. Paine, Cyrus Prior, T. S.
Whipple, J. J. Monahan, W. M. Burroughs, S. M. Palmer,
Robert White, D. L. Terrill and A. F. Burdick.
A beautiful book for personal war sketches was presented
to the Post and the Relief Corps, by Thomas W. Thorp and T. S.
Whipple, and was accepted for the Post by Comrade A. C.
Humphrey at a largely attended camp-fire in the hall.
Comrade Humphrey paid an eloquent tribute to the bravery
of the members of the Post, as well as all soldiers who had bortle
an honorable part in the service, which made our country once
more a united nation, with the Old Flag triumphant. The Post
believed that it was not good for man to be alone, and they early
took to themselves a helpmeet in the organization of the Wo-
man's Relief Corps, and these two organizations have worked in
harmony to promote fraternity, charity, and loyalty to which
they are mutually pledged.
Twelve of the charter members are living but only six of
the number are left here to sustain meetings. The faithful few
who have borne the burden for so many years, are: Amos C.
Humphrey, Commander; Dr. A. F. Burdick, Wm. Burroughs,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 307
George Laselle, S. M. Palmer, and Robert White. With in-
creasing feebleness and decreasing numbers it was thought best
to place fheir hall property in the hands of the Relief Corps. For
report of this transfer see Relief Corps history.
Number of comrades in the Post 1915 is 17.
State Officers — J. J. Monahan served one year as Judge
Advocate.
L. F. Terrill represented the State at the National Encamp-
ment at San Francisco.
Names of the soldiers in the picture on another page.
The first row, seated upon the ground or first step, beginning
at the left of the picture.
Robert White, M. D. Mead, T. S. Whipple, Robert Bixby,
Thomas Preston, William Woodrufif, Samuel A. Hale, Simeon M.
Palmer, James Carroll, Loyal Remington, P. S. Bullock.
Second row seated upon steps : Mathew Tierney, A. C.
Humphrey, Rev. Edwin Wheelock, Rev. S. S. Brigham, also
Captain ; Lewis Tatro, George W. Tubbs, Horace Ellsworth, An-
drew McGee, Henry Chase, Calvin Putnam, Visiting Comrade,
Barney Mattimore, Newell Clark, John Cummings.
Third row standing: L. F. Terrill, A. W. Edwards, Visit-
ing Comrade, Marcus Hoskins, Dr. A. F. Burdick, J. M. Car-
penter, John Jackson, Bliss Atchinson, Victor Plant, George W.
Batchelder, G. C. Bicknell, Fred A. Fuller, George Laselle, Ho-
bart Goodwin, Eugene Wells, H. H. Paine, J. J. Monahan.
CORPS' HISTORY.
By Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer.
L. H. Bostwick Relief Corps, No. 19, was organized as an
auxiliary to the Post March ISth, 1886, with twenty-one charter
members. Its first officers were Susie A. Terrill, President;
Mary C. Burdick, Senior Vice-President; Helen S. Humphrey,
Junior- Vice; Hattie L. Palmer, Secretary; Maria C. Laselle,
Treasurer; Helen Wright, Chaplain; Lucy J. Prior, Conductor;
Amanda McDaniels, Guard.
The Corps began their work with energy and enthusiasm
and by way of entertainments and suppers rendered much assist-
308 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
ance to the Post. The Post was presented with a beautiful silk
flag, costing sixty-five dollars; the presentation being made by
Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer, in the park on Memorial Day.
In the Autumn of 1889, the Corps held a Fair which was a
wonderful success. After the payment of all bills, the sum of
three hundred dollars was paid on the hall. Within two years
after this payment, the sum of one hundred dollars was paid at
one time and later eighty dollars. The Corps have turned over
to the Post seven hundred and forty dollars besides purchasing
an organ at eighty dollars, and a piano at three hundred dollars
and paying for same for use of the hall. They have furnished
their rooms with dining tables, table linen, crockery and silver-
ware sufficient to seat seventy-five people at once. They also
paid for blinds for the entire hall. During all these years of
service they have responded to many outside calls for aid.
Several boxes have been sent to the Soldiers' Home, and the calls
from Department and National Officers have met with as gener-
ous response as finances and home needs would allow.
The Corps invested sixty dollars in the book for Personal
Sketches of Post Members. The Corps which at first was made
up entirely of soldiers' relatives, admitted to its membership later,
loyal women who desired to aid in our work, and we acknowledge
hereby our great indebtedness to them.
When the older members have grown weary, they have taken
much of the burden and responsibility and greatly aided in the
work accomplished. On December 12th, 1908, the Post observed
its 25th anniversary at the hall. An excellent program consisting
of readings, recitations and music was prepared and carried out
by the Corps who got up the entertainment, and a fine silk flag
was presented by Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer. Commander Humphrey
accepted the flag for the Post and expressed their appreciation
of the many' kind deeds of their auxiliary, which had given them
so many happy days and memories. A fine dinner was served
to Post, Corps and invited guests. Of the charter members, seven
are living, five o-f the number being still members of the Corps,
only three of these are in the active work of the Corps. They
are Mrs. Maria C. Laselle, Mrs. Helen S. Humphrey, Mrs. Hattie
L. Palmer. Following are the members who have served one or
more terms as president : Mrs. Susie A. Terrill, Maria C. Laselle,
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 309
Adelia A. Whipple, Helen S. Humphrey, Mary C. Burdick, Hattie
L. Palmer, Ella E. Tillison, Mary C. Hale, Medora Schweig,
Ruth Sinclair, and Mrs. Dora A. Knight who is the present in-
cumbent. In the Autumn of 1914 a meeting of Post and Corps
was held, and it was proposed to place the hall property in the
hands of the Corps. By advice of their attorney, articles of
association were drawn up for this purpose: "To acquire, hold,
manage and dispose of property for the benefit of L. H. Bostwick
Corps, No. 19. By-laws, rules and regulations for the governing
of said association were also drawn up and we were duly incor-
porated under the laws of the State. The property was deeded
to the Corps November 24th, 1914." A complimentary reception
and dinner was given the Post January 1st, which was largely
attended. Exercises suitable for the occasion were well carried
out including a testimonial of thanks to the Grand Army for
their confidence in the Corps in giving to their care the Grand
Army Hall.
Number of members in good standing, forty-eight.
STATE OFFICERS.
Hattie L. Palmer served as senior vice-president one year.
Was elected State President and served one term; Mrs. Dora A.
Knight served as State Secretary ; Mrs. Edith C. Colgrove served
as State Treasurer.
OFFICERS OF THE CORPS, 1915.
Mrs. Dora A. Knight, President; Mrs. Medora Schweig,
Senior Vice; Mrs. Sarah Ellsworth, Junior Vice; Mrs. Elnor
Clark, Secretary; Mrs. Edith Colgrove, Treasurer; Mrs. Rennie
Chase, Conductor; Mrs. Lois Rogers, Assistant Conductor; Mrs.
M. C. Hale, Press Correspondent; Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer,
Patriotic Instructor; Mrs. Helen S. Humphrey, Chaplain; Mrs.
Clara Bartlett, Guard ; Mrs. Annie Gallup, Assistant ; Mrs. Clara
Bennett, Mrs. Ella E. Tillison, Mrs. Lena Gaines, Mrs. Ursula
Scribner, Color Bearers.
21
310 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Chapter IV.
FRATERNITIES.
Among the fraternal organizations of our town possibly that
of the Masons is the oldest.
I am personally indebted to Dr. W. S. Nay for the follow-
ing sketch of Masonry and of McDonough Lodge, No. 26.
FREEMASONRY IN JERICHO.
Many of the old-time residents of Jericho and those now liv-
ing in town have identified themselves with the Masonic fra-
ternity.
Formerly their membership was divided among lodges most
convenient of access. Those from Jericho Center and vicinity,
being nearer the Richmond line, became members of North Star
Lodge, No. 12 of Richmond, while those at the Corners and
nearer Underbill sought membership with McDonough Lodge,
No. 26, located at Essex Center. Among those belonging to
North Star Lodge were Lyman Stimson, Nehemiah Prouty, Rol-
lin Lincoln, and Wareham Pierce, who were loyal to their lodge
and the fraternity.
Charles Hilton, Addison Ford, Cyrus Spaulding, L. B. Howe,
James Hutchinson, Dr. A. F. Burdick, L. F. Wilbur, Esq., C. S.
Palmer, Esq., Martin Packard, John Pratt, M. V. Willard, A. C.
Spaulding, John Percival, and some others were members of Mc-
Donough Lodge. Of those mentioned, Charles Hilton and C. S.
Palmer have been Worshipful Masters of their lodge and all of
these have proved their interest by attendance at lodge meetings
and adherence to the principles of the craft. A large percentage
of the membership of McDonough Lodge were residents of Jeri-
cho and Underbill, and in 1880 and 1881 the idea of removing the
lodge from Essex to Jericho was conceived and finally prevailed.
For a time subsequently, it was felt by many members that it
was not a wise act, although the membership of the Lodge rapidly
increased and so did the' expenses attending its maintenance
proportionally. At Essex, a hall was owned by the Lodge while
at Jericho we were obliged to pay large rental. However, a good
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 311
interest was evidenced among its members, who were mostly resi-
dents of the towns mentioned, as nearly all of the Essex residents
severed their affiliations after the removal and became members
of other lodges more convenient of access. Among the resident
members who held the Worshipful Master's chair were Dr. W.
Scott Nay, Thomas W. Thorp, Frank A. Castle, Lucian H. Cha-
pin, Dennis E. Rood, Fred A. Percival, and George Clerkin. In
the building burned in which the Lodge hall was located and
for a time a dispensation was obtained allowing meetings to be
held in a convenient hall in the -pillage of Underbill Flats. In
1906, fire again deprived them of a meeting place but for a short
time only.
A hall was provided by Dr. Nay in the building erected by
him the same year, in which the Lodge is now pleasantly and
Comfortably located.
The writer notes a sad but interesting fact, that since the
removal from Essex the local personnel of the Lodge has almost
wholly changed.
More than fifty of its members are deceased and a few have
affiliated with organizations nearer their present homes. It is
gratifying that some who are now non-residents still retain their
membership with their home Lodge. Among such are the brothers
John and Edwin Oakes and recently Bro. C. S. Palmer, who
demitted to join elsewhere, has re-affiliated. The present flourish-
ing condition of the Lodge is due to the earnest, painstaking ef-
forts of its younger membership, which comprises some of the
most respected and estimable men of the towns of Jericho, Under-
bill, and Bolton. Among such to whom its success is attributed are
Past Master William T. Mead, the faithful and efficient Secretary,
Dennis E. Rood, the devoted Chaplain, Fred A. Percival, and
the present capable W. M., Chauncey H. Hayden.
It is felt that this institution has been a power for good in
the community and town. The tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief,
and Truth are faithfully taught and the adherence to the principles
of Masonry are conducive to better manhood, better citizenship,
and better moulding of Christian character.
The editor wishes to add that McDonough has the dis-
tinguished honor of having had three Grand Masters, Bro. N. P.
Bowman in 1874-1875, Dr. L. C. Butler in 1881-1882, and Dr. W.
312 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
S. Nay in 1899-1900. To the latter Dr. Nay, being also a citizen
of Jericho, has thus come an honor highly appreciated by mem-
bers of McDonough Lodge. The present membership is 83 and
its officers are: C. H. Hayden, W. M.; C. E. Nay, S. W.; G. H.
Hutchinson, J. W. ; John Schillhammer, Treasurer ; D. E. Rood,
Secretary; H. L. Murdock, S. D.; G. R. Gile, J. D.; F. P. Tilli-
son, S. S. ; L. C. Rogers, J. S. ; F. A. Percival, Chaplain ; D. A.
Gallup, Marshal ; A. B. Joy, Tyler.
MARY C. BURDICK CHAPTER.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR.
Was organized in 1913, and has a membership of 46.
Its officers are : Worthy Matron, Mrs. Ella TiUison ; Worthy
Patron, G. Herbert Hutchinson; Assistant Matron, Mrs. Martha
Nay ; Conductress, Mrs. Medora Schweig ; Assistant Conductress,
Mrs. Clara Nay ; Secretary, Mrs. Carrie Percival ; Treasurer, Mrs.
Edith Colegrove ; Chaplain, Mrs. Ursula Scribner ; Marshal, Mrs.
Edith Lee; Organist, Mrs. Mamie Percival; Adah, Mrs. M. Alice
Hayden ; Ruth, Mrs. Rennie Chase ; Esther, Mrs. Alma Scribner ;
Martha, Mrs. Fanny Gomo; Electa, Mrs. Lottie Hutchinson;
Warder, Mrs. Alice Tatro ; Sentinel, P. S. Scribner.
MINERVA LODGE NUMBER 21.
KNIGHTS PYTHIAS.
Was organized in 1898, has held meetings in Jericho much of
the time since its organization, but for the future will be perma-
nently located in Underhill, having recently built a new hall there.
The membership is quite largely of Jericho, however. At the
present time the Lodge numbers 62, and its officers are : Chancellor
Commander, Harley F. Ross; Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Frank B.
Hunt ; Prelate, C. H. Hayden ; Master of Work, P. S. Coleman ;
Keeper of Records & Seal, R. H. Metcalf ; Master of Finance,
David A. Gallup ; Master of Exchequer, E. J. Corse ; Master of
Arms, Howard M. Haylette; Inside Guard, Guy I. Bicknell;
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 313
Outside Guard, F. A. Thompson ; Trustees, John A. McKeef e, E.
W. Henry and F. S. Jackson.
The basic principles of this Fraternity are Friendship, Char-
ity, and Benevolence as exemplified in the Ancient Grecian
Episode of Damon and Pythias. An example of friendship as
refreshing as it was strange and unheard of in those cruel times.
MIZPAH TEMPLE NUMBER 14.
PYTHIAN SISTERS.
Was organized in 1907 and has a membership of 55, includ-
ing honorary members, and its officers are : Most Excellent Chief,
Mrs. Emma McKeef e; Most Excellent Senior, Mrs. Emma Dick-
inson; Most Excellent Junior, Mrs. Anna Gallup; Mistress of
Records and Correspondence, Mrs. Lillian M. Cross ; Mistress of
Finance, Mrs. Clara Bartlett; Manager, Irene Bruce; Protector,
Mrs. Carrie Bruce ; Guard, Mrs. Mae Moulton ; Past Chief, Mrs.
Martha Irish; Trustees, Mrs. Lou Ayer, Mrs. Leora Kirby, and
Mrs. Laura Rockwood.
THE GRANGE.
Mr. Frank G. Pease has furnished the following information
respecting Mt. Mansfield Grange, Number 441, Patrons of
Husbandry, located at Jericho Center. This Grange was organ-
ized Nov. 13, 1909, and has at present a membership of 55 in
good standing. The good work of this Grange is very manifest.
In 1912 they conducted a lecture course given by the professors
of the Agricultural College. Later an Agricultural School was
conducted by the college extension, which was of special interest
to the student farmer. The present officers are : Master, Charles
Moran; Overseer, Fred Bliss; Lecturer, Mrs. Kate B. Isham;
Steward, W. V. N. Ring ; Assistant Steward, Earl Kinney ; Lady
Assistant Steward, Barbara Stiles; Chaplain, Rev. S. H. Barnum;
Treasurer, A. P. Byington; Secretary, Mrs. Fred Bliss; Gate
Keeper, Max Stiles ; Ceres, Mae Eldridge ; Pomona, Mrs. Sadie
Packard; Flora, Bernice Bullock.
Past Masters, Dr. H. D. Hopkins, Frank G. Pease, W. J.
Nichols.
314 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
Mr. Oliver J. Lowrey, now deceased, was very prominently
connected with the fearly grange movements and was Grand
Lecturer of the State Grange for many years. Other granges
have at different times been located in town.
FOREST CAMP NUMBER 9068.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Was organized January 9, 1901 with 21 Charter members.
The Camp has always been an excellent one and has at
present 43 members. The officers are : Consul, George Costello ;
Adviser, T. H. Bruce; Banker, John Schillhammer ; Clerk, Jed
T. Varney; Escort, E. H. Gomo; Watchman, Fred Foster;
Sentry, E. G. Nealy; Managers, C. F. Reavy, E. G. Irish, H.
W. Sinclair. The first Consul was G. L. Clerkin. This Camp
hold their meetings at Jericho Corners.
THE JERICHO CORNET BAND.
From the early days at various times the citizens of Jericho
have had a band at the Corners or at the Center. These bands
have always been well led, and have been composed of excellent
musicians. One of the early leaders was George Sherman, whose
reputation became statewide later as the leader of Burlington's
famous cornet band. Willie Buxton was a capable leader for
several years. Mr. P. S. Thompson was at another and earlier
period a prominent member, as was also Mr. RoUin M. Clapp and
many others. Lucius Howe was for years a member of this band
who had marked ability as a musician. Few organizations have
contributed more to the pleasure of our people than these Cornet
Bands, and much more doubtless ought to be written in this con-
nection only for the lack of opportunity to get the facts.
TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS.
Among the Temperance Organizations, the first probably
was that of the Sons of Temperance. The older people readily
recall the interest that this organization awakened in temperance
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 316
matters. "Reform Men's Clubs," later were organized in town,
which also aroused great interest.
Lodges of the Independent Order.of Good Templars existed
in each of the villages at different times for many years. There
were especially large and influential Lodges at Jericho Center and
at Jericho Corners. In those days everybody seemed to be en-
gaged in temperance work, with the general result that the use
of intoxicants for purpose of beverage was at a mininum. No
organization of a temperance nature has left a deeper impress
upon the character of our people than the Good Templars, and,
while it is a matter of regret that that order is decreasing with
us, it is a source of inspiration to know that the order is increas-
ing mightily in other countries, and that this order is world wide
in its activity and influence.
Pledge taking, and pledge keeping is the unique work of this
magnificent order.
Mr. Chauncey H. Hayden served as Grand Chief Templar of
the State Grand Lodge for 20 years.
Several times have the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union organized in the various villages, always with good results,
but this most excellent organization likewise seems to be on the
wane. Mrs. M. J. Wilbur, and Mrs. Ella Lee Parker were
among those who were especially active and prominent in W. C.
T. U. work in town and in the State.
Note — I am indebted to Rev. S. H. Barnum for the follow-
ing including the Female Cent Society.
The Jericho Temperance Society was organized Oct. 13,
1829, and its articles required total abstinence from the use of
ardent spirits, wine and ale, except for sacred and medicinal
purposes. Simeon Bicknell was the first president and Thomas
Rood secretary. One hundred and sixty-six signers to the con-
stitution are named in the records. Frequent meetings were
held, addresses given and temperance in various bearings dis-
cussed. It appears that a youth's society was also in existence
and the propriety of uniting the two was coftsidered. Whether
this was done or not, in 1836 a new constitution was adopted.
Among its provisions was one for a committee of vigilance to
notice and report transgressions of the pledges of which there
316 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
were two. One was against the use of ardent spirits or furnish--
ing it to laborers or friends, except in good faith as a medicine.
For this 117 signers were secured. The other pledge was of
total abstinence and meant abstaining from all intoxicating
drinks in any form, wine or ale not excepted unless for sacred or
medicinal purposes. This received 158 signatures. Rev. E. W.
Kellogg became president and Lucius L. Lane secretary. At one
meeting a resolution was adopted asking all the churches in town
to require a verbal pledge of total abstinence from all who de-
sired admission. The last record of its meetings bears date of
Jan. 7, 1840.
Temperance was still a live subject, for in 1842 the Jericho
Center Temperance Society was formed with a total abstinence
pledge and a purpose of helping those who wished to reform.
Abram Jackson, A. Warner and John Benham were successive
presidents. A systematic canvass for signatures resulted in se-
curing 348. How long the society continued is not certain, but
the last meeting recorded was in Jan., 1849.
JUVENILE LIBRARY SOCIETY.
This was a society formed July 18, 1809, for the establish-
ment and circulation among its members of a library. Each
original member paid one dollar and became possessor of a right
which could be sold. The records run to 1817, and the names of
66 members are on the book.
BIBLE SOCIETY.
The first Union Bible Society of Jericho, having collectors
for each district, was in existence from Jan. 18, 1828, to Oct. 20,
1832, when officers were elected, but nothing further is set down.
TRACT SOCIETY.
An auxiliary Tract Society was formed Oct. 23, 1831, and a
canvass for donations secured $31.49.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 317
THE FEMALE CENT SOCIETY.
This has been the most permanent institution in town, ex-
cept the church. In the summer of 1805, tradition says, a few
women met in Jericho to devise some plan to do good. They
hardly knew what to do. "Not a Female Society was known in
all this northern region." They continued their meetings for
some months, and were at length regularly formed into a Society
under the guidance of Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury, their pastor.
His wife and six others were the first members. Their earliest
written document bears the date July 31st, 1806; its title is "Arti-
cles of the Female Religious Society in Jericho." There is also
a pledge signed by the first members, four of them promising to
give fifty cents yearly for missions, and three twenty-five. They
met and prayed and talked and gave their money for years.
In 1812 Rev. John Denison, their pastor, assisted in forming
a Young Ladies Society, with twelve members ; in four years the
number increased to forty-one.
In 1816 the two societies were united, and called "The Fe-
male Cent Society of Jericho." About seventy members united,
each was to pay fifty cents yearly into the treasury.
In 1877, under the lead of Mrs. Hazen, it became auxiliary
to the Woman's Board of Missions. The whole number of mem-
bers from the beginning is some two hundred and seventy, and
the whole amount of money given seventeen hundred dollars: it
has been given to Home and Foreign Missions, the Bible Society,
American Tract Society, American Education Society, American
Missionary Association.
In 1832 the Ecclesiastical Society being unable to raise the
salary of Rev. H. Smith, the Cent Society gave nineteen dollars
towards it. Again in 1835 the Society renewed their request for
aid and received it as a loan, because "some objection was made
to giving the money thus all at home," but it does not appear
that the loan was ever repaid.
None can tell us all the good the money given in these more
than four score years has done in this and other lands ; noae can
estimate what the prayers and labors of the givers have done for
this town and the world. The great day will disclose it.
The life and soul of the Society for many years was Mrs.
318 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
John Lyman, long Secretary, Treasurer and leader. One mem-
ber of this Society, Andelucia Lee, went as a missionary — ^first a
teacher of the Indians in New York. In 1836 she married Rev.
Daniel T. Conde, and went to the Hawaiian Islands ; after twenty
years of labor she died there. Thus not only by its prayers and
gifts of money, but by one of its own members, this Society had
a part in transforming those pagan islanders into a christian
Commonwealth.
It may be added that in 1906 the centennial of this society
was celebrated in an afternoon and evening gathering which was
fully attended by its members and by representatives of neigh-
boring societies. It was then stated that the society had given to
missionary causes during one hundred years about $2,500. For
the first few years, but four or five dollars were contributed an-
nually. This amount gradually increased till from 1817 to 1843
the yearly gifts were from $20 to $30. From 1843 to 1865 the
range was from $10 to $20. Then for a number of years the
amount was larger, but in the 80's it dwindled till it had fallen
to $7. Then an improvement began till in the early years of this
century it reached from $42 to $58. It has been touchingly said :
"In not a few cases husbands, whose wives were members while
living have after their death considered their love and interest in
the society a sacred trust, and have continued to give their weekly
mite long after the hand that first directed it into the Lord's
treasury has struck the harp above." The earliest records were
carefully written out by Mrs. Marcia Gibbs and are of great
value. The original constitution with the names of its earliest
signers is also preserved. Since the centennial meeting the work
has continued to prosper.
(From Centennial Celebration 1st Church).
THE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF JERICHO.
This chapter will be brought to a close with a short account
of the Maternal Association of Jericho, the facts of which have
been handed me by a friend.
The editor ventures the assertion that very few in town
of the present generation knew of the existence of such an organ-
ization and its wonderful interest.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 319
In 1833 some of the good mothers of the town formed a
society with the above name for the purpose of praying and labor-
ing together for the conversion of their children. They met at
private houses the last Wednesday in each month, and at the
quarterly meetings in January, April, July and October, the exer-
cises were adapted to the children from the age of four to twelve
or, in the case of girls, to fourteen. A small library of the most
suitable books of the time was obtained and their counsel dis-
cussed. Records for two years in the possession of R. B. Field,
show that during that time 28 mothers and 81 children were mem-
bers. Marked devotion and earnestness were manifest. Mrs.
Almira R. Field was secretary.
Chapter V.
SNOW BEAUTIES.
It is with much satisfaction that we devote one chapter
to the discussion of snow crystals. As townsmen we take just
pride in the fact that one of our citizens. Prof. Wilson A. Bentley,
has attained the top-most round in the ladder of fame among
the scientists of the world, as a specialist in the study of the
snowflake. He has made a study of these snow beauties for
more than thirty years, commencing at the early age of 17, aided
in the beginning by his mother, from whom he derived much
encouragement. His chief inspiration, however, seems to have
been in the exquisite beauty and infinite variety of formation. He
has secured 2,240 photo-micrographs of snow and thousands of
photos of other water forms, frost, ice, dew, clouds, hail, etc.
An article from his pen appeared in Popular Science Monthly in
1898 which attracted much favorable comment. For a list of his
articles, see Bentley Genealogy. His services are much sought
as a lecturer on these and kindred topics. We quote in full from
his article "Marvel of the Snow Gems," printed by the Technical
World.
"What magic is there in the rule of six that compels the
snowflake to conform so rigidly to its laws? Here is a gem-
320 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
bestrewn realm of nature possessing the charm of mystery, of the
unknown, sure richly to reward the investigator.
"For something over a quarter of a century I have been
studying it and the work has proved to be wonderfully fascinat-
ing, for each favorable snowfall, during all these years has
brought things that were new and beautiful to my hand. I have
never yet found a time when I could entertain an idea of re-
linquishing it. During the time that I have carried on the work,
I have secured sixteen hundred photo-micrographs of snow
crystals alone, and no two are alike. Is there room for enthusi-
asm here ? Doubtless these pictures serve to represent with some
fairness almost every type and variety of snow that occurs in
nature, but they show scarcely an infinitesimal fraction of the in-
dividual variation of form and interior design among the count-
less myriads of crystals comprising each type.
"The clouds, and the tiny liquid particles — water dust — of
which they consist, play no part in true snow crystal formation.
They coalesce only to form the amorphous — agranular — ^varieties
of the snow, or to coat true, mature crystals with granular ma-
terial. The true crystals, .forming the bulk of the snowfall, are
formed directly from the almost infinitely small and invisible
molecules of water in solution within the air, and floating between
the vastly larger cloud particles.
"Most of the crystals are, of course, imperfect, made so
especially during thick and heavy snowfalls, largely as a result
of crowding and bunching during development, or to fracturing
due to violent winds. In general, the western quadrants of wide-
spread storms furnish the majority of the more perfect tabular
shapes. As a rule low clouds, if relatively warm, tend to produce
the more rapidly growing open branching forms, and the inter-
mediate and upper clouds, if relatively much colder, the more
solid, close columnar and tabular forms. Sometimes, however,
crystals differing but slightly or not at all from those falling
from storm clouds, drop out of apparently cloud-free skies.
"Much wonder has been excited, because the snow crystals
exhibit such a bewildering diversity and beauty. They form with-
in a very thin gaseous solvent, the air, and this allows the mole-
cules of water an unexampled freedom of motion and adjust-
ment while arranging themselves in crystal form. The fact
Peof. Bentlet's Snow Beauties.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 321
doubtless largely explains why the crystals of snow far exceed
other crystals in complexity and symmetry. Snow crystals, like
all crystals of water, develop under the hexagonal system and
invariably divide into six. Nothing absolutely certain is known
as to why they grow thus, except as it is assumed that the num-
ber and arrangement of the attractive and repellent poles possess-
ed by the molecules of water, impose this habit of growth upon
them. This dividing into six is necessarily discussed and best
explained in somewhat technical sounding terms. We may assume
each water particle or molecule possesses two opposite pri-
mary poles, positive and negative, corresponding in direction with
the main tabular axis of the crystals, and in addition three of six
equidistant secondary poles arranged around what may be called
the equatorial diameter of the molecules. Water, being a dia-
magnetic substance, and susceptible to polar repulsion, presumably
has a tendency to arrange itself thbs, in a position between and
at right angles to the primary electro-magnetic poles. This align-
ment of the lines of growth, opposite to the lines of greater mag-
netic force, would compel the crystals of snow to grow mainly
outward in the directions of their equatorial diameters and sec-
ondary poles. This theory would perhaps best explain why the
crystals grow upon thin tabular or in the hollow columnar form,
and increase so little in the direction of their main axes, that is,
in the direction in which, it is assumed their main positive and
negative poles lie.
"Each of the six parts or segments of the crystals, while in
process of growth, increases simultaneously outward, yet each
one usually grows independently and by itself. So each of the
six parts may, for all practical purposes, be considered as being
a separate crystal by itself, and the whole as being an aggregate
of growing crystals. And the law under which they form not only
gives them a general hexagonal plan of growth, but in addition
gives them two specific secondary habits of growth under the
same plan.
"We may best distinguish these as the outward or ray habit,
and the concentric or layer habits of growth respectively. The
ray habit causes growth to occur always outward and away
from the nucleus. This tends to produce open branching forms.
Crystals that grow rapidly, or within relatively warm low clouds,
322 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
usually build upon this plan. In the case of the concentric or
layer habit, growth tends to arrange itself in massive form,
around the nucleus. This tends to produce the close, solid flakes.
Slowly growing crystals, as the columnar, form solid tabular
hexagons, and all such as crystallize in a very cold atmosphere,
or at great altitudes, usually grow according to this latter habit.
Snow producing clouds, if single, are perhaps as a rule of some
depth, or if double, or multiple, vary one with another in tem-
perature. The growth, habits and conditions under which the
crystals form therefore are commonly unstable, with a mul-
tiplicity of diverse conditions, tending to hasten or to retard their
rates of development, and momentarily, at least, to change or
modify their forms. This state of things may cause them to grow
after solid plans at one moment and altitude, after branching
plans at another, after composite plans at yet others, and tends
to cause them to become increasingly complex in outline and
structure as growth progresses.
"In those especial cases where the crystals form and grow
wholly within a single relatively thin and uniform cloud, as with-
in low detached clouds, for instance, they are likely to follow
from start to finish after one single, uniform plan, and all be
very much like each other. The frail branching snow crystals,
falling during snow flurries, are oftentimes of this character.
In some cases, the crystals will form composite fashion, after but
two specific plans. A solid, mosaic centerpiece portion will form
within a cold upper air stratum and, falling earthward, acquire
branching additions at some lower, warmer level. Composite crys-
tals of this character perhaps exceed all others in beauty of
design, combining into one, as they do, the two most beautiful
types of snow.
"It is all most marvelous and mysterious, these changing
habits of growth, and this momentary shifting about of the points
of maximum development. Growth ofttimes occurs in alter-
nate order, first at the comers of the hexagon, and then at the
sides. In some cases, this pendulum-like swing of outgrowth
may continue from beginning to end.
"But perhaps the most wonderful fact of all is the marvelous-
ly symmetrical way in which all this is accomplished. If a set of
spangles or branches, or tiny hexagons or other adornments, form
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 323
and grow at certain points upon any one of the six, or alternate,
rays, or segments, similar or identical ones are almost sure to
form at the same places and moments on all of the others, so
that the balance of form is always kept unimpaired.
"It appears as if the magic that does this might be, in part
at least, of an electric nature, and due to the presence of tiny
electric charges around their peripheries. Would not the presence
at certain points, and the absence at others, of tiny electric
charges, shifting momentarily about, as fresh charges collected,
and causing momentary realignments in the locations of the sev-
eral charges, stimulate growth at certain points and retard it at
others? It seems worth while tentatively to advance this theory,
as a possible explanation of these perplexing mysteries. But it is
a fascinating mystery this, that the crystals assume such a mar-
velous diversity of form, though forced by the crystallographic
law under which they come into being to assume always the
hexagonal form. Six rays or parts, there always are, yet what
an amazing variety these parts exhibit among themselves. In-
dividual crystals of the open, branching variety, differ one from
another, in the shape, size or thickness of their primary rays and
these rays in turn, in the number, size or shape, of the secondary
branches that they possess. Those of solid tabular form differ
as to their layers, or segments, and in the number and arrange-
ment of the air tubes and shadings within them. Similarly those
of a quasi-open formation vary in individual cases. In their
spangles, the tiny hexagons composing them, as well as in the
way in which these are combined with each other, or with rays,
and arranged around the central nucleus. Yet in innumerable
cases the crystals assume, at some one or more stages of growth,
identical forms and outlines. It often happens that their nuclei,
or ultimate outlines are alike, yet it seems to be rarely the case
that any two pass through a long series of such changes of
form. Hence the astonishing variety.
"Snow crystals are noted among crystals, because they bridge
over and include within themselves so much of the solvent, air,
wherein they form. This remarkable habit, in connection with
the multitudinous changes of form, gives great richness and com-
plexity to their interior designs, and lends endless interest to their
study. The air tubes and shadings have a biographical value, for
324 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
they outline more or less perfectly, transitionary forms. The air
tubes are largely formed while the crystals or parts of such, are
in process of solidification, as at the moment when branch unites
to branch, layer to layer, or segment to segment, and so growth
may be traced through its successive stages.
"The snow crystals being, in the truest sense, exquisite works
of art in themselves, charmingly adapt themselves to a great
variety of uses in the industrial arts, and in various other ways.
These uses are steadily broadening, though they and their artistic
possibilities have been as yet hardly discovered or realized by
artisans in general. Metal workers and wall paper manufacturers
are, however, beginning to realize their value, and there should
be a great field of usefulness for them in these lines. They also
seem well adapted for use in designing patterns for porcelain,
china, glassware and many other things. Silk manufacturers
are beginning to see their adaptability as patterns. Their value
as models in the realm of pure art is also being demonstrated.
Their uses as models in schools of art, and craft shops are
steadily increasing. Only recently Dr. Denman W. Ross, lec-
turer at Harvard on the theory of pure design, has adopted a
large number for classroom use. Prof. James Ward Stimson
used them to illustrate the 'beauty of nature's art,' in his book,
'The Gate Beautiful.'
"Perhaps their greatest field of usefulness, however, is along
other lines as objects for nature study, and for illustrating the
forms of water. They should be invaluable to the crys-
tallographer, for they show the forms and habits of growth of
crystals in a most charming way.
"Certain it is that normal and high schools, universities and
museums both here and abroad, are finding them most useful
in an educational way. One university alone — ^Wisconsin — ^has
over one thousand lantfern sHdes of snowflakes.
"Indeed it seems likely that these wonderful bits of pure
beauty from the skies will soon come into their own, and re-
ceive the full appreciation and study to which their exquisite love-
liness and great scientific interest entitle them."
The Barber Farm Summer Resort.
Bennett Elm. "Woodman Spare That Tree."
The Tkuman Galusha Place.
1-5
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. ' 325
Chapter VI.
A RAMBLE ABOUT TOWN.
By C. H. Hayden.
The reader, guided somewhat by the illustrations which are
produced in this chapter, is invited to go with me in a jaunt
through town for the purpose of considering matters, some of
which otherwise might possibly be left out. In point of time sup-
pose we start after the snows of winter have disappeared, as the
adder tongues are just piercing through the leafy mat of the
woods, and as the sweet scented arbutus first smiles upon the
eager searcher, when the gentle zephyrs sway the yet leafless
boughs and the songs of returning birds seem to inspire us with
new hopes. The accompanying cut represents the summer resort
built up under the management of the late Edgar L. Barber and
family. This property is delightfully situated on an elevation
overlooking the picturesque valley of the Winooski River and
the homes of the Chittendens, Martin, Noah, and Thomas. Not
far away stood the first settlers' log fort and near by the trail fol-
lowed by the Indians. Probably the Roods were the first owners
of this land. Summer visitors and tourists have come to this
famous resort in great numbers in recent years, as its popularity
seems to be increasing. The caring for summer boarders rep-
resents an industry, which might be greatly developed in our town,
since fresh air, pure water, and scenic beauty have combined to
make Jericho a delightful retreat for tired nerves. Going north-
ward we pass by a flock of sheep. In days gone by, raising of
sheep was much more of an industry than at the present time,
as the number in the entire town is at present reported to be only
162. Formerly the wool was spun into yarn by the thrifty house-
wife, and woven into cloth to the delight and comfort of the
children. In those early days there were in town two woolen
mills, one at Jericho Corners, Bissonette's tin shop, and the
other on Lee River, near Harrison Wilder's, each a large build-
ing doing an extensive business. The bell in the former is now
in the Graded School building. Underbill, Vt. And now we are
going by a herd of cattle "feeding their way home." The in-
22
326 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
habitants of our town own at the present time 1,924 milch cows,
according to the report of the State Commissioner of Agricul-
ture.
The yearly income from a cow varies from $60.00 to $127.00,
$75.00 being possibly a fair average, which means a grand total fdr
the town of $144,300.00 received for milk, cream, and butter.
Closely associated is the income derived from fattening calves
and swine amounting approximately to $35,000.00. Formerly but-
ter was made at home by the farmers' wives and sold to the
merchants, varying greatly in price and quality, cheap in the flush
of the season, high in the winter. Now butter is manufactured
by creameries, Government inspected, and is uniformly good.
Nor do prices fluctuate as of old, since the cold storage facilities
enable our people to hold butter in prime condition for several
months. No cheese is made in town at the present time, although
25 years ago more cheese was manufactured than butter. The
number of registered cattle is rapidly increasing and throughout
town may be found as fine specimens of thoroughbreds as the
country produces, valued as high as $250.00 per cow — Holsteins,
Jerseys, Guernseys, and Ayrshires are the favorites. At Jericho
Center is located the Borden Condensed Milk Co.'s plant, where
milk and cream are received from the farmers. The prices paid
the farmer per hundred for milk during 1914 is said to have
ranged from $1.15 to $1.85 per hundred. The Cooperative
Creamery, Riverside, owned by farmers, received during 1914,
■546,414 lbs. cream, 202,785 lbs. of milk, from which was manu-
factured 167,058 lbs. butter and for which they paid the patrons
$48,885.85 besides the cost of manufacture, which was $4,319.92.
Dairying is Jericho's principal industrial calling.
Next in our journey through town we find ourselves under
the gracious shade of a gigantic elm in full leafage. It is the
Bennett Elm. Numberless elms about town adorn our highways
and beautify the fields. These majestic trees seem to say to the
boys and girls "Stand erect," while their bending limbs suggest
to all, the graces of character and the symmetry of life.
We next find ourselves at Jericho Corners gazing up at the
shady and retired street leading to the Galusha place, now owned
by Mr. Frank K. Howe.
Baenet Hotel.
Martin Barney. Mrs. Barnet.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 327
Turning we see ruins about us that remind us of three dis-
astrous fires where five stores and 'a hotel used to stand. The
accompanying cut carries us back fifty years to the famous
hostelry managed by Mr. Martin C. Barney. Our oldest citizens
say that this picture is a perfect reproduction of Jericho's famous
inn. In those times before railroads, people traveled by stage-
coach, and the arrival and departure of the same were noteworthy
events, especially in times of war as the mails brought the news.
They tell us of the genial and unique ways of Mr. Barney, from
all of which we can easily imagine the importance of the hotel
business at that time, to the interests of the town. In this con-
nection allow me to call the attention of the reader to the Dixon
House at Riverside, represented in another cut, which came into
prominence later. L. M. Dixon, an ideal hotel man, about 40
years ago built the larger part of this hotel and furnished it
throughout in splendid manner for summer boarders. Several
hundred visitors in the aggregate came to this resort each season
attracted thither by the popularity of the management and the
scenic surroundings of the place. Mt. Mansfield was the object
of greatest interest perhaps, yet the saddle horse was much
sought, while others took carriage drives to the places of greatest
interest, like Bolton Notch, Cilley Hill, etc., and fishing in the
numerous mountain streams furnished others with much enjoyed
sport.
Thousands of dollars annually were taken in by these and
other hotels, much of which was distributed about town. The loss
of these two hotels by fire, the Dixon House in 1891, and the
Barney Hotel in 1904, was serious to the prosperity of Jericho,
as well as a matter of universal regret.
Three streams, having their sources in the Green Moun-
tains east of us, course their way across our town westward.
Brown's River in the north, Lee River through the center, and
Mill Brook to the south. Twelve mill sites on these streams have
been utilized within the town limits in the memory of the writer.
Six are in use now and much power is Hot now used and awaits
development. The cuts on another page represent some of the
beauties of these streams and one shows a string of trout caught
by a lucky fisherman. These rivers have been stocked from
the State Fishery Hatchery from time to time. . The trout is well
328 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
protected by law, no sawdust in the streams, with open and closed
season for fishing. They can be caught only with the hook, and
all less than six inches must be returned to the water.
The cut shows a street shaded by maples, making a beautiful
driveway, in which Jericho abounds. Few towns can boast of
better gravel roads or more delightful drives, and much credit
is due the citizens for setting out and caring for the shade trees
so characteristic of Jericho.
The pictures on another page will recall to the minds of many
the schoolhouses of District No. 3. In a way these are rep-
resentative of the changes about town respecting schoolhouses.
Elsewhere in this volume Mr. Barney says, "When there were
children enough in the vicinity of the Brown settlement to need
a school, they put up at first a good log schoolhouse, and, as
quite a number of the people were members of the Church they
called it Church-Street Schoolhouse." This was called District 2
as Jericho Center had been organized for a short time and had
been designated at District No. 1. This illustrates fairly well how
the public school system in our town began. A brief resume of the
public school, one of the most permanent institutions of the town,
will be made here, and should convince the reader that the schools
of Jericho have never been neglected. At the beginning, these
public schools must have been very near the hearts of the people ;
for by them they were built and supported, furnished and su-
pervised. There must have been a generous rivalry also between
the different communities in the effort to maintain the best school.
At that time compulsory attendance was not necessary — ^to go
to school was a privilege. Respecting text-books and methods
we know little of what were used, but that pupils were taught
good behavior, the first principles of good citizenship, we have
no doubt. The stars and stripes did not float over the school-
house then, as they do at the present time, but the pupils must
have received valuable lessons in patriotism and loyalty. And for
their day we can not doubt the efficiency of the first public schools.
We are told that the number of schools increased to 16 and that
as the population increased many schoolhouses became over
crowded, and that they were cold in the winter and otherwise
uncomfortable. The number of scholars and the scope of studies
pursued greatly overworked the teachers. Into some crept listless-
Dixox HdisK.
Mr. ami Mils. I.. M. Di.xo.\.
The Old and New District School House, Jericho Corners.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 329
ness and inattention, and discipline often became a serious ques-
tion. Then laws were enacted making school attendance compul-
sory and authorizing teachers and officers of the district to en-
force obedience. First the town and then the state assumed
the supervision of the public schools, until now the present
state supervision is considered most efficient. As respects super-
vision there came into vogue the office of town superintendent
of education in about 1854, which officers were elected annually
for about 50 years. These are superseded now by union superin-
tendents. In Jericho this office has been filled by capable men
and women who have each year reported to the town as the
printed reports indicate. A file of these reports can be seen in
the town clerk's office, which affords a good history of the public
schools of our town. The first report was by Rufus Smith in
1856. Mr. Smith licensed teachers and made visitation as at pres-
ent. The expenditure for 1858 was $806. For comparison the
reader will find a true copy of the tabulated statistics for 1885
and 1886 — ^twelve months — appended.
330
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
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Singing in the shadow where the branches meet.
Laughing, dancing, whirling, in each pebbly nook.
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 331
THE NUMBER OF SCHOLARS
has decreased somewhat and expenses have steadily increased
until for 1915 the schools required 70 per cent, of the Grand
List, a sum of over $7,000.00.
The length of the school year has changed from scarcely 24
vveeks to 34 weeks, while the range of studies taught now prepares
the student for college. Thus it will be seen that, while the cost of
maintenance of the public schools has greatly increased, the priv-
ileges afforded our children are immeasurably greater. We do not
like to think of those crude beginnings in school room equipments
and text-books so inadequate in substance and methods of im-
parting knowledge, for almost any text-book was welcome, in
contrast with the sunny schoolrooms of today, the helpful means
for aiding the student in acquiring an education, together with
the inspiration of vocational school and schools for manual train-
ing, etc. At first it will be noticed that the district was the educa-
tional unit and center, the town afterward, and then the state.
Now because of greater uniformity of text-books, teachers' re-
quirements, etc., the nation is becoming more than formerly the
unit, so that the schools of Vermont fit its pupils for the pursuit of
any laudable calling in any part of this great nation. Jericho under
the leadership of its educated men and women has at all times
taken a creditable rank as regards its public schools, of which fact
its citizens are justly proud.
One feature of the "Deestrict Scheul," as it was sometimes
pronounced, was the spelling school. Spelling was conducted
orally. The usual practice was for the teacher to call the mem-
bei-s of the class out upon the floor to stand in position with their
toes to a crack in the floor. At the close of the lesson the one
at the head took his place at the foot of the class, which fact
was denominated a headmark, after which they were all num-
bered beginiiing at the head of the class with No. 1. At the
next recitation they were called by number and woe to the student
who should forget his number. The teacher pronounced the first
word to number 1 whereupon the scholar would also pronounce
the word, spell, and repeat the word. It was quite usbal to give
the student three trials, sometimes only two, if not spelled cor-
rectly then the next in line could have a chance. If the word
332 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
was spelled correctly, that pupil would move up in line above the
one who first missed the word. This method often developed
great interest, and produced a generation of very accurate spellers.
Then, to vary the procedure, the teacher would occasionally
choose two good spellers and allow them to choose alternately
the other members of the school. Words would be pronounced
to the two sides alternately, if incorrectly spelled it would then
go to the other side. When a student misspelled it was the rule
that he take his seat. The student remaining on his feet the long-
est had spelled down the school, worthy notoriety for those
times.
A spelling school was a contest between two schools carried
on upon the above principles, with social features at the close
of the spelling match. These contests, usually very friendly, stim-
ulated study and research and were instrumental of an untold
amount of good. All had to spell, and if a six foot boy missed
and a bright-eyed girl of ten years knew the word, the boy had
to step aside and allow the little girl to go above him.
Singing schools were often held in the schoolhouse during
the winter evenings. The singing master conducted, and with
baton to beat out the time, tnd tuning fork to give the pitch, he
thus taught the elements of music to very large classes. These
schools would usually close the season with a grand concert, thus
defraying the expenses of the school. Mr. Thomas McGinnis
was for years Jericho's most celebrated singing master, a service
of inestimable value to our people.
Through the courtesy of the Jericho Reporter I am allowed
to give the reader a very reliable idea of the manner of support-
ing schools in "ye olden days," and in this connection another
paper from the same source in regard to highways.
PAPERS RELATING TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
In looking over the papers in an old desk which belonged
to Milton Ford, father of the late Addison M. Ford, were found
many papers relating to pubUc affairs, among which was a school
bill. In those days the school tax was paid on the number of
days schooling. If the scholars did not attend school the tax
was less. Following is a copy of the School Bill for the win-
ter 1843 made by M. Ford Com. :
''■^^^MMfti^^^ •
Speckled Beauties Retbeat.
Cloud Eitects in Jericho.
The Field Bridge.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 333
Days. Tax.
Milton Ford 251 $1.38
Sylvanus Richardson 215 1.18
Luther Prouty 40 .22
James Hunt 83 .46
George Howe 182 1.00
Charles Witherby 54 .30
James McLane ....288 1.59
Erastus Field 125 .69
Aaron Brownell 119 .66
Simon Davis 184 1.01
Mathew Barney 76 .42
Luther Macomber 182 1.00
Samuel Douglas 267 1.47
David Fish 9 .05
Z. Adgerson "65 .36
Arial Stephens '. 89 .49
Hiram Martin * . . 65 .36
Lemuel Bliss 61 .34
Zebah Pratt 101 .56
I. K. Hunt 55 .31
Luther P. Blodgett 52 .29
Tillison Hapgood 75 .42
John Buxton 64 .35
John Oaks 34 .19
Fanny Howe 23 .13
Case Buxton 41 .26
Sylvanus Blodgett 34 .19
John Bliss 34 .19
Albert Cilley 31 .17
E. Papineau 86 .47
F.G.Hill 12 .07
S. Rawson 7 .04
Milton Martin 16 .09
3027 $16.71
334 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
The financial account reads :
A. Collins $39.94
E. Macomber i 16.75
S. Rawson 11.97
G. Oakes 1.13
Philura Ford 2.06
Gratia Huntley 17.50
Repairs on house 2.00
2 brooms and 1 pail 93
Total $92.28
Public money 76.96
$15.32
Balance on hand $1.39
There was also found among the papers in the old desk a plan
of the schoolhouse at Jericho Corners which was burned Jan. 1,
1835. The plan indicated a building "23 feet by 26 feet." The
seats were placed around the room, leaving a space in the center
of 10 feet 8 inches by 10 feet 4 inches. Back of the seats was a
"writing table." The entrance to the schoolroom was made at
one corner of the building.
In an old pocketbook of Mr. Ford's was found a slip of paper
telling the original "cost of brick meeting-house," $3,472.79.
ANCIENT DOCUMENT FOUND.
Another ancient document found in the old desk of Milton
Ford was a highway tax-book for District No. 3, for the year
1828. The book was directed to Milton Ford and David Oakes,
the highway surveyors or collectors for District No. 3 in Jericho.
The tax was made on the list of 1827 at six cents on the dollar
by the selectmen, Lyman Hall and W. A. Prentiss. The war-
rant for the collection of the tax reads as follows :
"State of Verinont, Chittenden County, To Milton Ford
and David Oakes, highway surveyors or collectors of the High-
way Tax for District No. 3, in Jericho in said County for 1828.
"By the authority of the State of Vermont, you are hereby
commanded to levy and collect of the several persons named in
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 335
the list or rate bill herewith committed to you, the sum of
money annexed to the name of each person respectively, and ap-
ply the same in repairing the highways within the limits of your
district agreeably to law.
"And if any person should refuse or neglect to pay the sum
in which he or she is assessed in said rate bill, you are hereby com-
manded to distrain the goods, chattels or estate of such person so
refusing, and the same dispose of according to law for the satis-
fying the said sums with your own fees and for the want there
of you are hereby further commanded to take his or her body,
and him or her commit to the keeper of the gaol in Burlington,
in said County of Chittenden, within said prison, wl^o is hereby
commanded to receive said persons and him or her safely keep,
until he or she pay said sums so assessed with legal costs, to-
gether with your own fees or be otherwise discharged or re-
leased according to law.
"Given under my hand at Jericho in said County of Chit-
tenden, this 26th day of April in the year of our Lord, One
Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-Eight. T. Barney, Jus-
tice of Peace.
"The assessed taxes vary in amount^ from 14c. to •$6.24.
The total amount of the taxes being $109.05. The names of the
taxpayers are: Prentiss Atkins, Peter L. Allen, Truman Barney,
Sylvanus Blodgett, John Bliss, Thomas C. Barney, Aaron Brow-
nell, Martin C. Barney, Lucius Barney, Augustus W. Dow, Aaron
Drew, John Deleware, Joseph Fairfield, Milton Ford, Jotham
Glavin, Daniel L, Glines, George Howe, Tillison Hapgood,
Brigham Howe, Henry Howe, William Johnson, Fletcher W.
Joyner, John Johnson, Hiram I. Martine, Charles Marston,
David Oakes, Joseph L. Porter, S. Luther Prouty, James Martin,
Asa Noyes, John Oakes, William A. Prentiss, Lyman H. Pot-
ter, Sylvanus Richardson, Thomas D. Rood, Lewis Rood, Sec-
retary Rawson, William Rouse, Ariel Stevens, Joseph Sinclair,
B. F. Taylor, Thomas M. Taylor and Stoten Willis."
In 1872 there was a movement started by A. O. Humphrey
to erect a suitable building at Riverside in which to manufacture
cheese. Mr. Humphrey, however, changed' his plans and moved
to Burlington.
336 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
The enterprise of building a cheese factory was success-
fully accomplished in 1873 by Whitcomb and Day. This fac-
tory did an impiense business for many years under their man-
agement and upon Mr. Day's going to New York, the manage-
ment was continued by Mr. Edward S. Whitcomb, Jr., until the
creamery business seemed to have gained the ascendency. (For
a further description of this cheese factory see Day genealogy
and Mr. Wilbur's Historical Address).
A commendable interest has ever been manifested by the
citizens of Jericho in the up-keep of its various cemeteries. At
Jericho Center and at Jericho Corners the citizens have ideal
organizations, well endowed. In these the grass is kept green
and closely shorn. These cemeteries are otherwise beautified
with flowers and plants, shubbery and trees. Most of the funds
have been given the Cemetery Associations direct: other citi-
zens have placed money with the town authorities as the follow-
ing clippings from town reports will show.
THE C. M. SPAULDING CEMETERY FUND.
Mr. C. M. Spaulding, born in this town in 1827, a long and
time honored resident, gave to our town by will $1,000,
upon condition that the town expend, in perpetuity, $40 an-
nually (4 per cent, interest), upon two cemeteries in town, viz.:
one-half upon cemetery at the Corners, so-called, and one-half
upon cemetery at the Center. In each cemetery his own fam-
ily burial lots to receive first attention, the expenditures to be
under the direction of the selectmen, and their accounts to be
audited annually by town auditors as other accounts are audited.
In the administration of the Fund, your Auditors find that
the money was loaned to the School Directors' Account by the
Selectmen of 1901, and that of the income of the Fund this year,
amounting to $40, there has been expended $35 according to the
provision of the gift. The remaining $5 to be expended in the
early spring.
THE MRS. MIRANDA HALL CEMETERY FUND.
Mrs. Miranda Hall, for a long time a resident of Jericho
Center, gave the town the sum of $100, April 12, 1904, with the
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 337
following conditions. That the interest, $4 per annum, be ex-
pended in care of her lot in the Jericho Center Cemetery with
the understanding that any balance be used for the general care
of the cemetery, expenditures to be under the direction of the
Selectmen,
The Auditors find at this date there have been no receipts
. from this fund, and no expenditure.
L. H. Chapin, 1
C. H. Hayden, rAuditors.
H. W. Packard, J
February 5, 1905.
In our trip about town we have seen the grass come to ma-
turity and have witnessed the wonderful ingathering of the hay-
ing season. Intensive farming is producing marvelous crops of
hay, which is the principal fodder for cattle and horses. In some
sections alfalfa is becoming rooted, which yields more plentifully
than any other fodder. Large fields of oats are being harvested,
very little wheat, rye, or buckwheat is raised in town. Corn is
a very important crop, often to be husked, but much of it is
raised for silage. The potato is a very important crop, while
peas and beans are not raised in large quantities.
Very fine apples, pears, cherries and other fruit are produced
in town as well as the various berries. No statistics of the above
productions of our town are obtainable.
HUSKING BEES.
It used to be a custom, when the evenings grew longer, for
neighbors to turn in of an evening and help each other along in
the matter of husking corn. Sometimes the ladies received an
invitation to accompany the men. After a few hours of busy
work husking corn, all betook themselves to the house where the
women of the household had provided pumpkin pies and cheese.
To them a good appetite proved to be the relish, and we of today
would need to draw upon our imagination to fully realize how
enjoyable were these old time "husking bees."
Time is hurrying us along to the 15 or more days usually
comprising the deer season, or the period in which licensed hunt-
ers can shoot the deer.
388 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
This season is usually the last days of October sometimes
extending into November, during which time the woods are full
of hunters, and the finest of game is often brought home. This is
a great day for the Jericho youngster who may be observed
stealthily working his way along the deer runs, in search of that
much talked of deer, the image of which rises before his vision
at each noise and unusual sound. And then if successful how
proud his return home, where the savory venison cheers and
satisfies the entire household. No sport quite equals that of deer
hunting.
Soon the long winter is with us. But this season even is
not devoid of interest to the people of our town. For the .young
there is skating, coasting and skiing and long sleigh rides, and for
all enjoyable gatherings for social, literary and other purposes.
The mill yard filled with logs as represented in the accom-
panying cut is the property of our enterprising Town Treasurer,
E. B. Williams, who has built a commodious and up-to-date
mill near the Homer Rawson farm. Possibly too little importance
is attached to the mill property throughout town. They are, how-
ever, utilizing the timber growth to good advantage and giving
employment to many families, and they have been and are very
essential to the development of the town's resources. The Steam
Mill at Riverside, first built by Gilbert and Robinson in 1874 has
an interesting history. Messrs. Gilbert and Robinson did not
operate the mill very long and closed out their interests to a
syndicate of citizens who formed an organization to continue the
business. Thus the mill was operated by different men until. it
came into the hands of Whitcomb & Day. This enterprising firm
greatly developed the business as may be seen by a reference to
the Day genealogy. In 1888 Ex.-Gov. U. A. Woodbury pur-
chased the property as an accessory to the E. J. Booth Lumber
Co., Burlington, Vt. It was managed by Theron H. Porter,
and D. W. Knight, and later purchased by D. W. Knight, who
operated it very successfully for several years. Mr. Knight in
1910 sold to H. B. Howard, the present owner.
The mill has been burned three times, once with E. J. Booth,
once with Terrill & Knight, and once with H. B. Howard. The
mill has always furnished employment to a large number of men
and has afforded a good market for the lumber of this and near-
Spobt.
A Pawn.
RiVEESIDE BkIDGE,
Maple Deive — Lee River
"Vn tT-PP in a11 fho P-rniro Vint hop J^g charmS.
Dob in Deep Snow.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 339
by towns. For further description of the Steam Mill see Day
genealogy.
The logging business also is a means of support for
many of our citizens. There have been times when the waste must
have been great in connection with clearing lands; but not so
much waste now. Lessons in reforesting the denuded hills are
being taught us and ways of conserving the woody growth are
being learned by our people, so that the cut of lumber some years
hardly equals the growth, and thus it is expected that home
supply of many kinds of lumber can be made perpetual. Almost
every farmer gets out some lumber each winter for repairs and
to sell. From three to four million feet are sold annually in
Jericho. Now because of the returning sun the snow begins to
melt, and the sugar season is ushered in. According to the town
records Jericho has 60,306 maple trees, of which 37,557 were
tapped last year and from which were made 37,105 pounds sugar
and 9,755 gallons of syrup at a value of $11,514.00. Had all the
trees in town been tapped, another $10,000.00 approximately
would have been received by our people. It would be both in-
teresting and instructive to note in this connection the great im-
provement in equipment and methods of making sugar, but space
forbids anything but the briefest reference. The wooden trough
has been replaced by a neat tin or metal bucket with cover. Only
one tiny puncture in the tree now for the spout which also sup-
ports the bucket, instead of the huge cut with the axe. The
methods of evaporation have been greatly perfected, conserving
fuel and time and producing a genuine maple sweet that is much
sought after in the markets of the world. There is no choicer
sweet known than the early runs of maple syrup produced by the
farmers of Jericho. In anticipation and realization the sugaring
season is richly enjoyed by young and old.
Now, the object of our ramble being accomplished, we con-
clude this chapter with a brief reference to Mt. Mansfield, which
is located in other towns, yet its picturesque beauty is our inherit-
ance and a common possession. Upon its ponderous sides are to
be found the sources of Brown's River and of Lee River. The
rocky summit with its cooling atmosphere seems to attract thither
the moisture burdened clouds and holds them oftimes till their
340 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
contents are fully discharged, to water the valleys below, a bless-
ing of greatest value to our own townspeople.
The largeness of its proportions seems to suggest stability,
sturdiness and character. The everchanging shades of its forest
covered sides, its glimmers,, and reflections together with the
shadows of passing clouds in fair weather make it an object of
beauty rarely surpassed; when covered by storm clouds streaked
with the lightning's flash there comes to us, with its thunder and
roar, a feeling of awe and sublimity. In the morning its first
sight seems to inspire us with the splendid possibilities of a new
day, while the gilded sunset teaches us gratitude.
Just a brief quotation in closing from the pen of Cassius A.
Castle :
"Ye grand old magnificent piles
I delight on your summits to gaze,
When the spruce in its verdure smiles
O'er the home of my boyhood's bright days."
O. L. Bartlett's Sugar House in Process of Completion.
The Old Man's Pace.
Fbom Rivekside.
From Beae Town.
342 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
26. James Flynn, L. F. Wilbur, Jay Shaw, Charles F. Reavy.
27. A. J. Cilley, James Warner, Solomon Powell, George H.
White.
28. Spencer Cilley, Alexander Dennis, G. F. & F. A. Thomp-
son.
29. George Smith, Henry T. & Effie A. White.
30. The old Walter Russell House Location.
31. L. H. Roscoe, George Pettingill.
32. L. H. Roscoe, Stephen Myette.
33. Hiram S. Davis, A. D. Cochran.
34. Lovell Bullock, Joseph Williams.
35. John Wall.
36. John Delaware, V. S. Whitcomb, John McLaughUn.
Z7. Sylvanus Richardson, C. M. Spaulding, Mary E. Nichols,
Clark R. Varney.
38. Henry Oakes, Albert Cilley, Frances Messimer.
39. C. Van Vliet, Henry T. White, Mrs. Petty.
40. R. R. Townsend, Nelson Prior, Hiram Martin, E. B. & Ida
M. Wilbur.
41. Albert & Oliver J. Lowrey, Arthur Brown.
42. Bridge.
43. Location of Elijah & E. B. Reed — House taken down.
New house — Michael J. Fitzgerald.
44. Tillison & Julius H. Hapgood, M. P. Richardson, H. H.
Hale, P. H. Fitzgerald.
45. Carlos Young, Andrew Russin.
46. Bridge.
47. Geo. P. Howe, Julius H. Hapgood, Henry Hapgood, Ira
& Carrie Hawley.
48. Lucius S. & Truman B. Barney, A. Bishop.
49. Arthur L. Castle, Irving A. Irish.
50. Selah Babcock, Russell D. Johnson.
50 J^. Location of old Church Street Schoolhouse.
51. Joseph Brown, Hiram Day, Elmer G. Irish.
52. Rectus Orr, Eugene D. Herrick, W. W. Palmer.
53. L. A. Bishop, George Brown, Ira C. Morse, Lynn D. Moul-
ton, Eugene D. Herrick.
54. John C. Goodhue, John P. Whitton, L. C. & Lena Rice.
55. R. R. Townsend, Loren Jackson, H. F. Montague.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 843
56. Harvey Booth, Hawley C. Booth, Burt Booth.
57. Hiram Booth, B. C. Buxton, J. E. Burroughs, Wm. Schill-
hammer.
58. Barney McLaughlin, Frank Ladue.
59. Levi Packard, Newell Marsh, M. H. Packard, Arthur H.
Packard.
60. Schoolhouse.
61. Whitmarsh & Stimson, Silas Howland, Wm. Roberts.
61 J4. Location of log cabin of Joseph Brown burned by the
Indians.
62. Covered bridge.
63. Joseph Brown, Henry M. Brown.
64. Joseph & Hannah Brown, Hiram B. Day, G. A. Haylette.
65. Albert Gleason, I. R. Gleason, Albert Gleason.
66. Edward Day, Mrs. Elva Gleason.
67. J. Harvey Orr, Hoyt Orr, Wm. Cady.
68. Benjamin Day, James A. Shedd, C. A. Packard.
69. Cyrus Packard, Harrison Packard, W. C. & F. C. Bliss,
Bert Beers.
70. Abijah Whitton, Herbert Chapin, Norris Ransom.
71. Hiram B. Fish, Edmund Martin.
72. B. S. Martin, Seth M. Packard, Martin Bullock.
73. Ezra Church, Asa Church, Newell Story, C. H. Giffin.
74. Robert Balch, Allen Balch, Wilbur W. Ring, Wm. V. N.
Ring.
75. Milton Ford.
76. Addison M. Ford.
77. Stephen Lane, T. C. Galusha, R. B. Galusha, John C. Schill-
hammer.
78. Mason Manuel, Henry Percival, W. I. & Albert Byington.
79. John Dane, E. B. Hunt, H. Weidenbecker, S. Riggs.
80. Lester Whitton, W. R. Macomber, H. Duane Hurlburt,
John Tatro.
my-i. Bridge.
81. Lyman Stimson, Sidney S. Thompson, Hiram Wilder.
82. Captain Griffin, Ezra & Asa Church.
83. Bridge.
83 >^. Bridge.
84. Permelia Griffin, Bert Bradish.
344 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
85. John Lee, Wm. Wheeler, Mrs. Sidney Barber, Steven
Lane, Lucius Lane.
86. Orlando Whitcomb, Silas Hoskins, Irving Nealy.
87. Augustus Lee, Milo Douglass, Lucian H. Chapin, Irving
Thompson, W. C. & F. Bliss.
88. Lee, James Bent, R. C. Lincoln, Marlin Bullock,
Joel Boyce, J. Downing.
89. Henry & Ella Lee, Elmer Howe, Joseph Brassor, J. Laflin.
90. Reuben Lee, L. M. Howe, George Maidment, Howard J.
Murphy.
91. Linus Lee, Silas Ransom, Barney Mattemore, Wm. Mill-
ham.
92. Cyrus Lane, Martin Willard, George Willard.
93. Schoolhouse.
94. Harvey Stone, Antoine Laflash, Frank Kinney.
95. Hiram Stone, I. C. Stone, A. Conners, James Morse.
96. Simeon Pease, Ezra Brown, Fred McGinnis.
97. Benjamin Joy, Alpheus Joy.
98. Benjamin Joy, Orlando Joy.
99. Benjamin Walker, Daniel McGovern, Patrick McGrath.
100. Isaac & George Choate, L. F. Wilbur, Homer Boyer.
100>^. Bridge.
101. Leonard Pease, Thomas McGinnis, Peter Doyle.
102. Nehemiah Prouty, N. P. Gravell.
103. Nathan Hale, Stephen Hale, Ferris McGinnis.
104. T. S. McGinnis, Michael Stokes, Wm. Cotey.
105. David Benson, Elbridge Nealy, J. Rokes.
106. Edgar Barney, Warren Fellows, J. E. Burroughs, L. F.
Wilbur, M. Guyette.
107. Schoolhouse.
108. Isaac Smith, P. B. Smith, Matthew Casey, A. H. Streeter.
109. Stephen Hale, John MeGee.
110. Benial McGee, Thomas Spooner, A. H. Streeter.
HI. Henry Smith, Daniel Splain, A. H. Streeter.
112. ^Agan (burned).
113. Alexander H. McGee.
114. James Martin (burned).
115. George Hall.
116. Fred Fuller, John Tarbox.
HISTORY OP JBRIC3H0, VERMONT. 346
117. Daniel Fuller, D. W. Doncaster (burned).
118. Alva & Frank W. Pease, E. S. Kingsley.
119. Leon Gauvin, Patrick Hurson, Lewis Shortsleeve.
120. Otis B. Church, Fred W. Fuller.
121. Bridge.
122. Perley Spaulding, John Sweeney, Henry Proctor, Edward
Flood.
123. Henry Hoskins, A. C. Hoskins, Waldo Smith.
124. Jesse Monroe, Aaron Taft, Philemon Smith.
125. Ebenezer Benson, John Cavanaugh, Justin Brunelle.
126. Martin Howe, A. Saxby, L. H. Chapin, B. Trieb.
127. Caleb Nash, Daniel Nash, Amy Nash, Mulford Savoy.
128. Ansel Nash, Thomas Nash.
129. Hyman Church, Enoch Howe, Joseph Pratt.
1291^. Bridge.
130. Bridge.
131. Patrick Foley, Truman Galusha, Stephen Curtis, Wilson
Curtis.
132. Eugene Curtis, Lorenzo W. Rice.
133. S. M. Barney, W. J. Byington, H. T. Chase.
134. Patrick Ryan, John Early, Thomas Adrian.
135. Thomas Costello, Geo. & John Costello.
136. Wm. Johnson, Edward & Peter Flynn, James Casey.
137. Peter Flynn.
138. Mary D. Pierce, Lyman Eldridge, Loomis Terrill.
138J^. John Storrs, Mrs. John Storrs.
139. Bryan Reddy, James Carroll.
140. Hyman Church, H. A. & Ellen Percival, Wert Brigham.
141. Geo. H. Brown, Bertha King.
142. S. A. Andrews, Alexander Miller, Charles Hilton, Mrs.
Caroline Yantz, A. Wisell.
143. Charles Hilton, Irma Bennett.
144. Stephen Lyman, W. R. Macomber, Charles Hilton, Carl
Schillhammer.
145. Charles Hilton, Vincent R. Varney, Jed T. Varney.
146. Clark Ford, James Morse, Arthur K. Morse.
147. Wm. Smith, John Smith, Ernest Smith.
148. Gordon Smith, John A. Smith.
149. James Graham, O. H. Brown, C. H. Chittenden.
346 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
150. George Chapin, Andrew Warner, Frank S. Ransom, Will
Nichols.
151. Lewis Chapin, Milo H; Chapin, E. S. Ransom.
152. Miles Ransom, Ernest Smith, John Fitzsimonds.
153. Sylvanus Lee, Charles Lee, Leon Mitchell.
154. Dea. Albert Lee, Trumbull Lee, Miles Ransom, John Fitz-
simonds, Andrew Fitzsimonds.
155. Palmer Richardson, Nathan Benham, Henry & H. P. Hall.
156. Russell French, Warren French, Burke G. Brown.
157. Dana Bicknell, Emma Bicknell.
158. Mr. Townsend, Geo. Stiles, Edson Nealy.
159. Dana Bicknell, Burke G. Brown, Frank Brown.
160. Daniel Lyman, Charles H. Lyman, Mrs. Sargent, John
Davis.
161. Horace Babcock, Wert Brigham. (No buildings).
162. James McLane, John Early family.
163. Daniel & David Hutchinson, James H. Hutchinson, G. Her-
bert Hutchinson.
164. Orin Crane, Quincy Thurston.
165. Dennis Gearin. (Taken down).
166. Orley Thompson, Hosea S. & Nancy Wright, Cornelius &
Carrie Tyler.
167. Same as 166.
167^2 ■ Blockhouse or fort.
168. Harmon Humphrey.
168J^. Schoolhouse.
169. Gov. Martin Chittenden, Rufus Bishop, Daniel B. Bishop,
Emma Bishop.
170. Leet A. Bishop, George H. Brown, E. C. Fay, E. Wright
Fay.
170^. Noah Chittenden (burned).
171. Bridge across Mill Brook.
172. Daniel B. Bishop, John Casey.
173. Julius Hodges, Hiram E. Bates.
174. Cyrus Tarbox, Thomas Reeves, Hervey Burnham.
175. Bridge.
176. Wm. P. Briggs, Gov. Asahel Peck, .Cicero Peck.
177. Joseph Lawrence.
178. Rural Thomson, Spencer & Harriet Patrick.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 347
179. Charles Scribner tenant house, Josephine G. Gates, sum-
mer cottage.
180. E. L. Barber, tenant house.
181. Summer cottage, Charles Scribner.
182. Azariah Rood, E. L. Barber, Charles Scribner.
183. Gilbert Paradee, Chas. Lee, James H.'Safford.
184. Solomon Powell, Charles Bleau.
185. Jesse Gloyd, Sr., Jesse Gloyd, Martin Powell.
186. Silas Bumham, Joseph Stockwefl.
187. Ezra Elliott, George Cunningham, Andrew Johnson.
188. South district schoolhouse.
189. Lewis Marsh, Edmund Duso, Tom O'Neil.
190. Lyman Hall, Harrison Webster, Asa Powell, Harmon
Humphrey, John Phillips, P. Lavelle, Geo. Cunningham,
E. P. Corvin.
190^. Calvin Marsh (given up).
191. Horace Wood, Wm. Lewis, Gilbert Paradee.
192. Bridge across Mill Brook.
194. Harvey Ford, Billings Hatch, Thos< Lynch (burned).
195. Shubael Palmer, Thos. Lynch.
196. John Benham, Mose Lawrence.
197. Jonas Marsh, Henry Borrowdale, John Tobin.
198. John T. Clapp, Edwin W. Humphrey, Henry Rider.
199. Rollin M. Clapp, Augustus S. Wood, Mahala Nash, Mrs.
Yantz.
200. Freeman Wood, Harvey Field, Lynn D. Moulton, Homer
Lyon.
201. Bridge.
202. Harvey Field, Austin Field, William Field.
203. Mr. Harvey, Geo. Stiles, Thomas Moran.
204. Edy Humphrey, Chesman Johnson, Fred Johnson.
205. Harrison Webster, Lyman Hall, Collins H. Nash, W. Den-
nis.
205J4. John Duso, Gordon Smith, C. H. Nash, Mr. Laduke.
205^. Eben Lee, John Tobin, James Berry.
206. Wm. Nealy, Chas. Nealy.
207. Solomon Powell, Silas Ransom, Silas Haskins, Nathan
Benham, F. D. McGinnis, Clyde Wilder, Julian Hoskins.
208. Ansel Nash, Albert Parker, F. D. McGinnis.
348 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
209. Bridge.
210. Horace C. Nash Store (gone).
211. Joel Bartlett, Fred McGinnis, Chas. Rochelle.
212. Zenas Nash, Francis Nash, C. H. Nash, Willie Nash.
213. Schoolhouse.
214. Ezra Nash. .
215. Daniel Graves, Clarence Shiner.
216. Andrew Warner, Thomas E. Bentley, Wilson A. Bentley.
217. Chauncey Abbott, Patrick Barrett.
218." Bridge.
219. Gautha Parker, Willie Church (burned).
220. Benjamin Hatch, Moses Leary.
221. Location of old shingle mill.
222. Ed Sweeney & Michael Sweeney.
223. Nathan Smith.
224. Bridge.
225. Creamery.
226. Bridge.
226>^. John Leary, Mrs. Martha M. Allen.
227. Old Chesman Johnson place.
228. John McAndrass.
229. Abraham Stroud, Geo. Hapgood.
230. Daniel Davis.
231. Peter Plant, Clarence Shiner.
232. Caleb Nash, Mr. Baker. •
233. Caleb Nash, Russell Haskins, Peter Labell, Barney & Al-
bert McLaughlin.
234. Eber Hatch, John Leary, Martha M. Allen, Wm. Hanley.
235. Hubbell B. Smith, Newell Story, Wm. Pollard.
236. Schoolhouse.
240. H. G. & R. M. Brown.
241. Wm. Bartlett, Luke Bolger.
242. Norman Wright place.
350 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
22. A. S. Mears, Mrs. Minerva Barney, Mrs. N. H. Goodwin.
23. Judge Fish's Shoe Shop and Tannery, Residence J. A. Per-
cival, A. B. Simonds, Mrs. Ahtia Tarbox.
24. David Fish, C. S. Palmer, C. E. Percival.
25. Site of "Old Mansion House."
26. Site Wattrous Thompson, Nelson Fassett, W. B. Nichols,
George Lyman, Dr. L. P. Howe, Mrs. Mary Howe Chase.
27. Chas. Wetherby, Erastus Field, F. B. Howe, F. C. Wil-
liams, Miss Harriet Kinney.
28. Site Distillery of Frederick Fletcher.
29. E. W. Curtis, L. W. Rice.
30. Almon Hill, Stephen Curtis, W. R. Curtis and M. A. Buz-
zell.
31. Solomon Barney, W. I. Byington, H. T. Chase, F. E. Han-
ley.
3iy2. Site Noah Chittenden.
32. Patrick Ryan, Thomas Adrien.
33. John Bliss, Anson Field, W. N. Pierce, Mrs. S. B. Wells.
34. Miss Thankful M. Butts, Mrs. Fanny Galusha, Norman
Fuller, John Pratt, L. C. Stevens.
35. John Bliss, Deacon Truman Galusha, R. L. Galusha, H. N.
Percival, F. K. Howe.
36. Sylvanus Blodgett, Wm. and Mary Brown, Fred Howe,
Lucius Irish, Joseph Bissonett.
36 J^. Site, house and blacksmith shop, Sylvanus Blodgett.
37. Site R. Smiley Blodgett, S. S. Thomson, M. H. Alexander.
38. Lumber, Wood and Coal Yards E. B. Williams & Co.
39. Store house E. B. Williams & Co.
40. Site Thomas CoStello.
41. Henry Shedd, Dr. H. N. Curtis, Orlin Rood, Elhanon
Prior, J. E. Burroughs, Willard Blood, Mrs. L. L. Blood.
42. Jonathan Goodhue, Orlin Rood, D. E. Rood.
43. H. N. Percival, F. P. Percival.
44. B. & L. R. R. Station.
45. Queen City Creamery.
■ 46. George Shedd, George Wright, Rev. D. B. Bradford,
Mathew Tierney, A. A. Parker, E. H. Gomo.
47. Rodney and Ann Barney.
48. D. N. Shaw, Mrs. R. R. Townsend.
Chittenden Mills.
Property of Chas. Reavey.
3
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 351
49. Tillison Hapgood, T. Chittenden Galusha, John T. Clapp,
Simeon Clapp, Zeph Hapgood, F. W. Pease.
50. Drug Store site Albert Barney, Henry Howe, H. N. Perci-
val, E. W. Curtis, E. B. Williams.
51. Site L. F. Wilbur, S. A. Wright, Sam'l Clark, A. A. Ches-
more. *
52. Anson Field cabinet maker, L. F. Wilbur's Law Office, A.
D. Bradford's Printing Office, E. H. Gomo's Harness
Shop.
53. Julian Terrien, H. Hebert, Peter Gomo.
54. Law Office L. F. Wilbur, Store H. T. Chase, Frank Hanley.
55. B. S. Martin.
55y2. Millinery Shop Mrs. Lucia Ann Smith, Drug Store W. B.
Nichols, Millinery Store Mrs. B. S. Martin.
56. Blacksmith Shop E. H. Prouty, Levi Gordon, John Girard,
H. Hebert.
57. Elon Lee, Phillip Prior, Cephas Butler, Elon Prouty, H.
Hebert.
58. Barn George White.
59. Stebbins, Fred Hill, Ferdinand Beach, Dr. L.
D. Rood, Dr. George Belden, J. H. May, George White.
60. L. B. Howe, C. M. Spaulding, J. S. Cilley, F. H. McGinnis,
G. H. Foster.
61. Artemas Bemis, John Swan, W. J. Gibson, Hoyt Davis,
Walter Blaisdell.
62. Mrs. Jane Gibson, Mrs. Mary J. Buxton.
63. Isadore Roscoe, Michael Shanley, W. G. Cook.
64. James Gribben, Clark Wilbur, Simon D. Bullock, A. S.
Wood, W. E. Buxton.
65. Grist Mill, John Bliss, G. B. & W. E. Oakes, F. Beach,
Wooden Combs and Button Molds, L. P. Carleton & Co.,
Wood Pulp, Dr. Fletcher, Jericho Chair Co., H. M. Field,
S. D. Bullock, Novelty Turning, A. S. Wood, W. E. Bux-
ton.
66. Baptist Parsonage, Rev. I. E. Usher.
67. Baptist Church.
6?. Mrs. Dr. Harmon Howe, William Douglass, L. B. Howe,
Soules, J. H. Hutchinson, E. B. Williams.
69. Fred Simonds, M. H. Packard, Y. G. Nay.
352 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
70. Luther Prouty, L. S. Prouty, L. M. Stevens, L. C. Stevens,
H. S. Woods, M. H. Packard, H. C. Dessany, H. F. Tilley.
71. Graded School Building.
72. Geo. B. Howe, L. T. Richardson, Dr. H. N. Curtis, Dr. Al-
bert Nott, Calvin Morse, Ben Norris, Mrs. Ellen A. Perci-
val, Fred A. Percival.
73. Methodist Church.
74. Congregational Church.
75. Henry M. Field, Dr. Daniel Thompson, R. B. Galusha,
L. F. Terrill, Buel H. Day.
76. Law Office L. F. Wilbur.
77. Anson Field, Jr., H. M. Field, L. F. Wilbur.
78. Kingsley Butler Printer, L. F. Wilbur Law Office, Alex.
Miller, Misses Emma Church and Mollie Meikle, John Mc-
Mahon, W. D. Chesmore, Fred Foster.
79. Dr. George Howe, Dr. Edward Howe, Dr. A. B. Somers,
Dr. I. M. Bishop, Mrs. M. D. Pierce, Chas. A. Jackson,
M. H. Packard, Mrs. Emma Cook, A. J. Sweeney.
80. A. B. Simonds, W. S. Fellows, Clara K. Howe, F. K.' Howe.
81. Sylvester Pellitier, J. A. Percival, W. N. Pierce, George
Thorpe, A. A. Chesmore.
82. Dr. J. Dennison Bliss, O. H. Brown, W. L. Day.
83. C. S. Field, E. W. Curtis, Rev. J. T. Buzzell.
84. Lemuel Bliss, William Jackson, H. C. Booth, C. Van Vliet,
Dr. Lloyd Flagg, Dr. G. B. Hulburd.
85. Misses Mary Field and Julia Porter, Stephen Curtis,
George Ladeau.
86. Isadore Roscoe, Elhanon Prior, Mrs. Sarah V. V. Booth,
Mi^s Emily C. Howe, E. B. Wilbur.
87. B. E. Shanley, Mrs. L. L. Rood, W. S. Fellows, C. C. Bux-
ton, H. H. Day.
88. John Girard, P. S. Bullock, F. S. Tomlinson.
89. John Nye, R. B. Field, Mrs. Mary O. Balch.
90. Simon Davis, H. M. Field, Anson Field, R. B. Field.
90>4. Site of Field's" Pump Works.
91. W. L. Roscoe.
91 J^. Site John Buxton.
92. Saw Mill David Oakes, Hiram Fish, John Fairchild, An-
son Field, E. W. Curtis.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 353
92j^. Site Joseph Jocko.
93. Hiram Fish, Solomon Papineau, W. A. Albee.
94. John Fairchild, Nathan Porter, Lawrence QuiUinan, C.
S. Palmer.
95. John Oakes, Jerry Thompson, Ozro Slater, M. W. Booth,
Glenn Booth, Rev. William Cashmore.
96., David Oakes, Wm. E. Oakes, J. A. Percival and John
bakes, Joseph Mellendy, L. B. Howe, F. B. Howe, F. P.
Percival, H. H. Tilley.
97. George Buxton, N. A. Prior, Ira C. Morse.
98. David Oakes, Sylvanus Richardson, L. F. Wilbur, Anson
Atchinson, A. Bliss Atchinson, Rev. C. E. Tomlin, D. J.
Irish.
99. Wilkins Rockwood, Solomon Powell, Smith Pease, John
Whitten, L. C. Rice.
100. W. L. Roscoe, L. F. Paradee.
101. Aaron Brownell, Manser, U. S. Whitcomb,
Loren Whitcomb, C. Van Vliet, James Hanley, E. W. Cur-
tis, H. F. DeLisle, John Derby, Mrs. D. J. Hunter, M. C.
Mason.
102. Uriah Howe, Dr. Secretary Rawson, Homer Rawson, Mrs.
Hattie Percival, Mrs. E. B. Williams, A. P. Safford.
103. Williams' Saw Mill, ^. C. Buxton, Whitcomb & Day, E.
B. Williams.
104. Site B. C. Buxton.
105. Site Buxton Saw Mill, B. C. Buxton, Thomas Buxton, E. ■
W. Curtis.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 355
INDEX TO THE MAP OF JERICHO CENTER,
By LaFayette Wilbur.
The figures refer to dwelling houses unless otherwise stated.
The last name indicates the present owner.
1. Martin Bartlett, Isaac C. Stone, H. G. & Ray M. Brown.
2. Martin Bartlett, I. C. Stone, H. G. & Ray M. Brown.
3. Henry Lane, Nathan Lane.
4. Guy Chambers, Marcus Hoskins.
5. Location of John Chambers' house. Now taken down.
6. Borden's Condensed Milk Co.'s plant.
7. Hosea Spaulding, Wells Lee, L. D. Eldridge.
8. Old Saddle shop of Hosea Spaulding.
9. John T. Pratt, Horace Babcock, Seth M. Packard.
10. Hoyt Chambers, F. M. Hoskins.
11. Ira Ransom, Albert Barney, F. M. Hoskins.
12. Blacksmith shop of F. M. Hoskins.
13. Elias Bartlett, E. C. Whitney, Frank A. Stiles.
14. Asahel B. Puffer.
15. T. L. Bostwick, Ernest Smith, F. D. McGinnis.
16. Mrs. Jennie W. Hart & Anna Warner.
17. Jonathan Goodhue, Marshall Harvey, Geo. Cunningham.
18. Lemuel Blackman, E. H. Lane, E. B. Jordan.
19. Store.
20. Joel B. Bartlett, Benjamin Hatch, Dustin Bicknell, R. O.
Wilder.
21. Congregational Church, Town room.
22. Charles Pierce, Henry Blackman, Cora W. Chapin.
23. Parsonage.
24. Luke B. Bolger.
25. The Old Norman Wright house.
26. Albert Fay, D. B. Bishop, Lynn D. Moulton, H. G. & R.
M. Brown.
27. Emma Church and Mary Meikle, F. S. Ransom.
28. Elias Bartlett, E. M. Lane, G. C. Bicknell and C. C. Bick-
nell.
29. John Lyman, Cyrus Tarbox, Kate Beulah Isham.
30. Eben Lee, Ezra Elliot, Thomas Scott.
856 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
31. John Stimson, F. F. Hovey, Betsey Ballard.
32. Dr. F. F. Hovey's office, Morse & Pease grocery.
33. The old Jericho Academy, Cong, parish house.
34. Formerly a store of James Morse, now house of Leon Hall.
35. Orin Stimson, Albertine Lee, Irving Ballard.
36. Old Cong, parsonage, James M. Carpenter, Cora W. Cha-
pin.
37. Edward Tupper, Walter Kew, Wayne Nealy.
38. Dr. F. F. Hovey, Abraham Jackson, John F. Jordan.
39. Jericho High School.
40. Formerly Universalist Church, now Village Hall.
41. Orley Thomson, E. H. Lane, F. A. Fuller.
42. Dr. H. D. Hopkins, Dr. M. O. Eddy.
43. Abel C. Hoskins.
44. Jacob Latham, Ransom, Alma Whitmarsh.
45. Village Green.
46. Cemetery.
47. Warren French, B. G. Brown.
48. Emma Bicknell.
\\J9] UNOEnHILl.
MAP or
RIVERSIDE
L.F WILBUR.
24
358 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
INDEX TO MAP OF RIVERSIDE,
By LaFayette Wilbur.
1. The covered bridge. ,
2. Old schoolhouse now residence of Chas. E. Kittell.
3. John McNichols, Mrs. Helen Jock.
4. Harriet Hapgood, Buel H. Day, Mrs. Martha E. Church.
5. Charles McBride, Howard M. Clark.
6. Edward S. Whitcomb, Mrs. Mary B. Day, Carroll S. Bart-
lett.
7. E. S. Whitcomb's Store, now John K. McKeefe's grocery.
8. C. H. Hayden's Store.
9. Robert Prior, A. J. Russin, W. C. Cross.
10. Gauvin's Studio, Geo. Sherman, H. B. Howard.
11. Rufus Brown, Herbert Chapin, D. W. Knight.
12. Old cheese factory, now creamery bld'g owned by B. H.
Day.
13. Bostwick Green, Newton Wright.
14. Steam mill owned by Whitcomb & Day, D. W. Knight, H.
B. Howard.
15. Mill yard by Whitcomb & Day, D. W. Knight, H. B. How-
ard.
16. Luther Brown, Rufus Brown, Frank S. Jackson.
17. Location of Robert Jackson's house destroyed by fire.
18. Cemetery.
19. Depot.
20. W. H. Gaines.
21. Mrs. Almira Goodwin, L. H. Pendleton, Geo. Farrell.
22. Grist mill, Homer Thompson, T. W. Thorp, L. H. Pendle-
ton, Jasper E. Foster.
23. Store house, L. F. Terrill, L. C. Fowler.
24. Homer Thompson, Carroll N. Stygles, Brown & Nay.
25. Mr. Whitcomb, Geo. H. Benedict, E. J. Gallup.
26. Tin shop, E. J. Gallup & Son.
26 J^. Geo. Gravlin.
27. G. A. R. Hall.
27 Yz. C. Clinton Abbott.
28. Thaddeus A. Whipple, Dr. F. B.. Hunt.
29. Darwin G. French, Robert Kirby, Clifton Kirby.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 359
30. Martin Howe, Geo. H. Benedict, H. B. Howard.
31. Village Green.
32. Calvin Marsh, L. C. MacGibbon.
33. Herbert Chapin, Erwin White, R. H. Metcalf.
34. Location Bostwick House, Dixon Hotel, destroyed by fire.
35. A. F. Burdick, W. H. Gaines, G. W. Batchelder.
36. Simeon Parmalee, E. S. Whitcomb, Jr., Ella J. Whitcomb.
37. J. H. Bostwick, Samuel Hale, Mrs. M. C. Hale.
38. Isaac Clark Bostwick, Clark Graves.
39. H. H. Hale, Geo. Brooks, Lynn D. Moulton.
40. Avery Edwards, Wm. Kittell.
41. Avery Edwards, H. H. Dickinson.
42. Avery Edwards, Claude Graves.
43. Nathaniel Bostwick, Joseph Kingsbury, Josiah Bass, Wal-
ter Russell, J. H. Russell.
44. Episcopal Church.
45. S. B. Bliss, Amos Eastman, Avery Edwards.
46. Chas. Ripley, Levi Nutting, E. L. Martin, Mrs. Julia
Powell, P. S. Scribner.
47. Rev. S. S. Brigham, L. H. Pendleton, C. B. Metcalf, Park
H. Brown.
48. Truman Whitcomb, E. L. Martin.
49. Amelia L. Marsh, Charles E. Scribner.
50. James Hayden, Sarah F. Hayden, C. H. Hayden.
51. Samuel B. BHss, Dr. D. L. Burnett.
51 5^. Blacksmith shop — Howard Ayer.
52. Mr. Dyche, C. C. Abbott, Sr.
53. Elijah Dunton, Mrs. Mary Douglass, W. C. Bailey.
54. W. Scott Nay.
55. Drug store. Masonic Hall, Dr. W. S. Nay.
56. Methodist Church.
57. Mr. Murdock, Mrs. Geo. Claflin.
58. E. S. Sinclair.
59. Charles Cadwell, David French, A. N. Clar^, Mrs. E. S.
Sinclair, Archie T. Kirby, Henry L. Murdock.
60. Dr. Arthur F. Burdick.
61. Henry Oakes, Calvin Bates, Methodist Parsonage.
62. Calvin Bates.
360 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
63. Old Henry Oakes store, now residence of Homer W. Rock-
wood.
64. Old Starch Factory location.
65. L. P. Carlton, Jonathan Nichols, Levi Metcalf.
66. Marker erected in memory of Brown family "The First
Settlers."
67. Stephen Brown, Cong. Parsonage, S. M. Palmer.
67 J4. L. H. Chapin, Rueben Dickinson.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 361
PART TENTH.
GENEALOGIES.
FOREWORD.
Part ten, to many, will be the most interesting in this book,
because it contains the history of the families, which have built
up the town. The family is the unit of greatest importance, and
nowhere does the family appear to better advantage than in
rural New England communities.
The citizens of Jericho have reason to be proud of their an-
cestry, and it is high time that permanent record should be made
of those preceding generations as well as of the present, ere they
become altogether lost and forgotten. There might have been
one hundred families occupying this township 130 years ago.
One of these families is known to have five or six thousand de-
scendants throughout the United States and Canada. Now mul-
tiply by one hundred. Possibly this is more than an average
family in point of numbers, yet the importance of the matter is
beyond comprehension.
The town also has much to its credit in the achievements of
those who have gone forth from our limits and have won fame
and fortune in other places. This large field of the Jericho in-
fluence is just being entered into, and the following genealogies
and biographical sketches will tell the reader to what heights of
influence the Jericho boys and girls have attained.
In this part Mr.''LaFayette Wilbur has spent many months
of time and efficient labor and Rev. S. H. Bamum has performed
service hardly less valuable. The families are arranged alpha-
betically for the convenience of the reader.
C. H. HAYDEN, For the Editors.
362 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
THE ABBOTT FAMILY.
By L. F. Wilbur.
Curtis Abbott m. Betsey Cilley and lived in Tunbridge, Vt.
They had four children that grew to adult age; Carlos C, b. in
1834; Marcia I.,.b. in 1838, who m. Rev. William Nutting, a
Universalist minister; Charles E., b. in 1842, who m. and moved
to the West ; and Agnes A., b. in 1845. These children were all
b. in- Tunbridge, and none ever resided in Jericho except Carlos
C, who m. Charlotte Woodbury of Bethel, Vt. She was b. in
1840. They had one child, Clinton C, b. in 1860. This family
removed to Jericho in 1869, and located at the Flatts (so called).
Carlos C. was a travelling salesman. He d. in 1908 in Jericho.
His son was b. in 1860 and in 1899 m. Clara, the daughter of
Edgar A. Barney. She d. in 1908, at Jericho. They had two
children, Edwin B., b. in 1901, and Melba C, b. in 1902. Clin-
ton C. was the railroad station agent for Zl years at Underbill,
Vt. Hed.Nov. 28, 1914.
THE ADRIEN FAMILY.
Thomas Adrien was b. in County Cavan, Ireland in 1844,
and came to Vermont when four years of age, and to Jericho in
1885. He m. Ellen Reddy in 1869 and to them were b. 2
children : Mary Elizabeth and Bartholomew B., who was b. 1879
and d. 1908. (See Reddy Family, also Teachers).
CHAUNCEY BRADLEY ALDRICH.
By C. H. Hayden.
Chauncey Bradley Aldrich, son of Horace Reuben and Jane
M. Aldrich was b. in Cambridge, Vt., June 30, 1863. Mr. Aldrich
has resided in town since 1898 and is a paper hanger and painter
by trade.
THE ATCHINSON FAMILY.
By L. F. Wilbur.
Anson Atchinson spent his early life in Underbill, but lived
for many years at Jericho, where he d.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 363
He was a farmer.
In religious sentiment he was a Methodist.
He d. in 1890 at the age of 83 years. His wife, Harriet
M., d. in 1881 at the age of 68 years. They had four children :
Eliza, who m. Samuel Bentley; Naomi, who m. Arthur East-
man and m. 2 George Alger, having one daughter by the second
husband; J. Blinn, who m. Mary H. Lowrey to whom three
children were b. (See the Lowrey family) ; and Bliss, who m.
Marion Parker to whom were born Iva and Eva. Bliss was a
soldier in the 1st Vt. Cavalry for a period during the Civil War.
THE BABCOCK FAMILY.
By L. F. Wilbur.
Paul Babcock, who d. in 1839, had a twin brother Silas.
They were b. in 1770. Silas m. a Hutchinson of Jericho, Vt.,
and they had three sons and two daughters; the sons becoming
clergymen.
Paul Babcock m. Mabel Hatch of Jericho, b. in 1773, d. in
1842. They had eight children, viz.: Luman, b. in 1798, d. in
1833; Anna, b. in 1800; Horace, b. in 1802; Selah L., b. in 1804;
Julius, b. in 1806; Submit, b. in 1808; David, b. in 1812; and
Rufus, b. in 1814. All of these children lived in Jericho till they
became of adult age, but all removed from town except Horace
and Selah.
Horace m. Sally Reynolds, who was b. in 1805 and d. in
1876. He d. in 1887. They had two children who d. young.
Horace Babcock lived for many years at the end of a spur
road running east from the old Charles H. Lyman farm, south
of Jericho Village.
Selah L., b. in 1804, d. in 1880. In 1842 he m. Prudence
Buxton, who was b. in 1815 in Westford and d. in 1891.
Selah L. resided on the place adjoining and east of the farm of
Irving Irish on the road to Underbill from Jericho village. He
was a man of good reputation. Selah and Prudence had three chil-
dren, viz. :
(1) Reuben M., b. in 1844 and d. in 1863. He was a
patriotic young man. He enlisted in the War of the Rebellion
364 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
in 1861, at the age of 19 years. He was a member of Co. F. 13th
Regiment of Vermont Volunteers, dying of typhoid fever at Fair-
fax, Virginia, and being buried at Jericho. He was an only son,
and his parents looking to him for support in their old age were
granted a pension.
(2) Adeha E., b. in 1845, m. Russell D. Johnson of Jericho
in 1867. She d. in 1909 at the old home. Their children were,
viz. : Harriet A., who was b. in 1868 and d. in 1875, and Emma
M., b. in 1869, who m. Judson S. Clark of Underbill in 1902, and
whose children are Edith Adelia, b. in 1903, and Charles Russell,
b. in 1904.
(3) Julia L., b. in 1850, d. in 1892, at Jericho.
THE BALCH FAMILY.
By L. F. Wilbur.
John Balch was b. at Topsfield, Mass., in 1779 and m. De-
borah Kinstoh of Weare, N. H. He d. in 1822. They had eleven
children: John and Delia, twins, who d. in infancy; Robert, b.
in 1802, who d. in 1869; John J., b. in 1804; Eliza, b. in 1806;
Eliphalet, b. in 1807; Julia Ann, b. in 1809; Hannah, b. in 1811 ;
William P., b. in 1813; Allen, b. in 1815; Roxana, b. in 1818; all
of them b. in Weare, N. H.
Eliphalet and Allen were the only ones that lived in Jericho,
Vt. Their father and mother d. when they were but children.
They came to Vermont while they were young and lived with
their uncle, Robert Balch, at Fair Haven, for a few years. This
Robert Balch was b. in 1772, and d. at Jericho in 1842. He m.
Nabby Cram, of Weare, N. H. They had no children. She d. at
Jericho in 1842. They came to Jericho from Fair Haven, Vt. and
purchased and lived on the farm near Jericho village, now owned
by William V. N. Ring.
Allen Balch lived with him until his uncle's death. Allen
succeeded to the ownership of the farm and lived thereon till his
death in 1878; he m. Sarah S. Styles, b. in 1823. She d. in 1855.
They had one child, John, who m. Addie, , the daughter of
Hiram B. and Ella Fish of Jericho. Allen Balch was a good
farmer, held the office of selectman for several years, and was a
man of a friendly disposition; he m. 2 Julia Case of Essex.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 365
Eliphalet m. Lucretia Barker in 1831. They came to Jericho
about 1835 and purchased a large farm where he lived till his
death in 1873. She was b. in 1812 ; and d. in 1890. They had nine
children : Henry, b. in 1834 ; Helen, b. in 1836 ; George, b. in.l838 ;
Barker, b. in 1840; Olive, b. in 1842; Noah, b. in 1844; Anna E.
b. in 1846; Fayette, b. in 1848; Effie J., b. in 1850. Henry,
George, Olive, Noah and Anna E. d in 1853, of scarlet fever,
within the space of ten days.
Helen m. Julius Bliss in 1859 and has four children : Anna
E., Elmer D., Ida and Jesse. They live in Morristown, Vt. The
father d. in 1914 and is buried at Jericho. Barker m. Jennie A.
Whitcomb in 1868 and lives in Burlington. They have three chil-
dren : Frank, Charles and Mabel. Fayette m. Mary Osgood in
1874. They have no children. He purchased his father's farm
and occupied the same till his death in 1886. Efifie J. m. Dennis
E. Rood in 1875. They have three children : Maud, Madge and
Helen. Maud m. H. D. Costello in 1901. No children. They
live in Milton. Madge is not m.
Helen m. M. H. Whitney in 1904. He d. in 1912. They
had three children. Two of them d. Barbara living, was b.
in 1908.
Dennis E. Rood has always lived in Jericho and followed in
the business of his father as a harness maker. He has been an
active man in town, held the office of Justice of the Peace for
many years, and represented the town in the Legislature in the
years of 1886 and 1887. He has been a long-time member of
the Baptist Church of Jericho.
BALLARD FAMILY.
By S. H. Barnum.
Orange G. Ballard never lived in Jericho, but his widow and
most of the children have been residents. Orange G. was b. in
Milton in 1845. His father was John and his mother d. when the
boy was young. Orange m. Sept. 2, 1866, Betsey A. Caswell,
dau. of Lucius and Mary Ann (Hewey) Caswell, both of Milton.
Betsey A. was b. Sept. 9, 1848. The children were :
366 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
(1) George L., b. Apr. 30, 1868, m. Mina O'Connell in
1899. They live in Underliill and were previously at Loon Lake,
N. Y.. He is a farmer.
(2) Charles O., b. May 22, 1872, d. May 5, 1910.
(3) John S., b. Dec. 22, 1874, m. Nettie Monson Dec. 22,
1896. A dau., Ethel, b. 1897. They live in Westford and he is a
painter by trade.
(4) Bert E., b. July 1, 1876, m. Mabel Myette. Two chil-
dren : George Edward, b. Jan. 1, 1912, and Ramona, b. 1914. They
live in Rutland and he is in the painting business.
(5) Irving, b. April 16, 1878, m. Mrs. Anna Walston,
widow of W. W. Walston, in 1909. Her children are: Juna, b.
1896; Howard, b. 1898; Raymond, b. 1900 and Abbie, b. 1906.
Irving lives at the Center and he also is a painter.
(6) Marvin, b. March 23, 1881, d. 1889.
(7) Henry R., b. July 26, 1883, m. Alice Leonard in 1902.
A dau., Mabel, b. 1903. They have been Hving at Block Island,
R. I., but for the winter of 1915 are in Syracuse. N. Y.
Orange Ballard served in the Civil War, being enrolled in Co.
A, 17th Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and was honorably dis-
charged July 14, 1885. He died in 1895 and the next year his
widow moved to Jericho Center. Irving has been in town still
longer.
THE BARBER FAMILY.
By L. F. Wilbur.
Edgar Elbert Lee Barber was b. in East Bolton, Vt., Aug.
28, 1847. He was the son of Gideon and Arrintha (Pierce) Bar-
ber. The said Gideon and Arrintha had eleven children, viz.:
Maryett, Martin Gideon, Lucy Ann, Palmyra, Elbert Lee, Solo-
mon Pierce, Cynthia, Cornelius, Cornelia, Amelia and Edgar El-
bert Lee. And Solomon Pierce is the only surviving member of
this large family, and he is 82 years old and lives in Wis.
Edgar Elbert Lee is the only one of that family that ever
lived in Jericho. He enlisted as a soldier in the War of the Re-
bellion of 1861 and served in Co. I Sixth Vt. Vols., and was
wounded in his right wrist in the Battle of the Wilderness. He
m. Ada Polly Fay of Richmond, Aug. 23, 1868. She was b. at
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 867
Fay's Corners in Richmond, Mar. 23, 1847 and was the dau. of
Nathan Murray Fay and Beulah (Thompson) Fay, descendant
of the Fays of Revolutionary and Green Mountain fame. Soon
after their m. they purchased the farm that Azariah Rood settled
upon in 1774 when he came to Jericho as a pioneer, which farm
has been known for many years as the "Edgar Barber farm."
The said Edgar Elbert Lee and Ada Polly Barber made this
farm their home as long as they lived. For more than 25 years
they conducted a summer boarding house on this farm and met
with great success in the entertainment of guests who were drawn
thither by the wide reputation that the house had acquired as a
delightful resort.
They had two children, viz. : 1st Agnes L., b. May 3, 1871 in
Jericho on this farm. She m. Aug. 23, 1893 Edward Asa Rhoades
who was b. in Richmond, Sept. 9, 1861 and was the son of Cor-
nelius P. Rhoades, who was a direct descendant of one of the
first settlers of Richmond.
2nd Adelbert F., was b. on said farm Oct. 30, 1873, and d.
Feb. 18, 1908, at Brooklyn, N. Y. Edgar E. L. Barber, d. Dec.
15, 1909. Mrs. Barber d. Aug. 20, 1913. (See chapter on a
Ramble About Town).
THE SIDNEY BARBER FAMILY.
By S. H. Bamum.
Soon after the Civil War Sidney J. Barber came from Rich-
mond to Jericho. He was a son of Denslow and Ida Pitts Barber
and was b. in Richmond in 1843. In 1868 he m. Ellen Robinson
who was b. in Jericho, Jan. 13, 1851, and lived with her grand-
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Robinson. There were b. to them
six children :
1. Lula M., b. Dec. 11, 1868, now at home.
2. Eugene F., b. Mar. 25, 1871, d. July 23, 1892.
3. Leroy E., b. Feb. 6, 1873, m. Agnes Wilder in 1894.
Two children: Eugenia, b. 1896 and Ethel, b. 1901. Agnes d.
Sept. 29, 1902. Leroy is employed on the C. V. R. R..
4. Sidney J., Jr., b. April 21, 1875, d. Mar. 18, 1905.
368 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
5. Lilla M., b. Feb. 15, 1878, m. Charles R. Bicknell, Aug.
31, 1895. One son, Elmer F., b. in 1897. Lilla d. in 1900 and
Charles in 1907.
6. E. Harley, b. April 26, 1879.
Sidney served in the Civil War, being enrolled in Co. K, 5th
Reg. Vt. Vols., and was discharged June 29, 1865.
THE BARNEY FAMILY.
By T. B. and Chas. T. Barney.
Captain Thomas Barney was b. in Salisbury, Conn., in 1745,
and came to Manchester, Vt., when he was about 25 years old.
About the time that Joseph Brown and family settled in Jericho
and Gov. Thomas Chittenden in Williston, he also came to Wil-
liston. He married Governor Chittenden's daughter, Mabel, and
they had twelve children: William, Chloe, Mary, Sarah, Tru-
man, Mabel, Ira, Heman, Martin, Abigail, Nancy and Matthew,
who all grew up and m., except Mary, who died young. Cap-
tain Barney's home was at Williston until 1820, when he came
to live with his son, Truman, at Jericho Corners, where he d.
Sept. 13, 1828, and his wife, Nov. 7, 1838. The accounts of his
heroic deeds, related by his children, establish, that he was a brave
man and a good citizen. During the Revolutionary War Cap-
tain Barney commanded a company of minute men, and was ac-
tive and aggressive in protecting the early settlers from Indians,
Tories and British soldiers, in that critical period of the history
of Vermont, and in establishing the government and independence
of that Commonwealth.
Truman Barney, son of Thomas Barney, m. Hannah Bent-
ley. He purchased a farm at No. Underbill. While he was clear-
ing his farm and building a house, they lived in a log school
house; and in this school house their first child was b., Oct.
18, 1797. They had ten children : Lucius S., Horatio B., Martin
C, Truman, Harriet, Efifigenia, Matthew L., Ira, Albert and
Solomon. All except Truman, who d. young, m. and lived to
a good old age; and all these left children, except Ira and Solo-
mon. Truman lived in Underbill only one year; then returned
to Williston for six years, when he bought the saw mill, water
privileges and two hundred acres of land, at what is now Jericho
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VEIRMONT. 369
Corners, and this was his home until his death, January 6, 1857.
All who knew him attest that he was a very active and capable
business man, and that he and his family had much to do in de-
veloping the town of Jericho. They built dwelling houses, stores,
a hotel, mills and factories; and, for many years, carried on all
kinds of business, at Jericho Corners. Horatio Barney and his
son, Edgar, had a factory for carding wool and manufacturing
cloth, at a point on Lee River, about half way between Jericho
Corners and Jericho Center. Lucius S., Horatio B., Matthew L.
and Solomon carried on the same business at the Corners for
many years. Albert had a starch factory where the stone grist
mill now stands, and also kept a general store; and Lucius S.,
Martin C, Albert and Solomon were landlords at the hotel, for
more than half a century. Edgar Barney also built and ran a
sawmill, on Lee River ; and Henry Oakes, who m. Effigenia Bar-
ney, kept a general store, near the Jericho and Underbill town
line.
Lucius S. Barney twice represented Jericho in the Legisla-
ture. He m. Tryphena Brown, daughter of one of Jericho's
first settlers, Joseph Brown, Jr., and they had one son, Truman
Brown Barney. He finally sold the various kinds of business
which he had carried on at the Comers, and bought a farm on
Church Street, near where the Browns first settled, where he
lived until his death, Sept. IS, 1889, at the age of 92 years.
Truman B. Barney was b. on this farm, Nov. 30, 1833, and
lived there until 1900. As a young man, he was a successful
teacher for six years, and m. and took charge of the farm. Be-
sides the usual agricultural work, he opened up two large sugar
orchards, installing modern appliances for the manufacture of
maple sugar and syrup, first upon his own farm, and later
throughout many of the counties of the State, as General Agent
of the Vermont Farm Machine Company; and, for 17 years,
bought large quantities of sugar and syrup, for the wholesale and
retail trade ; thereby greatly increasing the production and raising
the standard, as to price and quality, in this important industry.
As a surveyor and civil engineer, he was actively engaged in
surveying for more than fifty years, and was called to all parts
of the state, especially in connection with the important land
litigation of recent years. In 1908, upon his 75th birthday, he went
370 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
to Oklahoma, where he has since lived with his son. At the age
of 80 years, he is as well and active as many men twenty years
younger, and was called to Vermont in 1910, and spent the entire
summer in making surveys, plans and in giving testimony in an
important land case, then pending in Washington County Court.
Truman B. Barney and Ellen E. Byington, daughter of Hon.
Stephen Byington, of Hinesburg, were m. Feb. 26, 1856. They
had two children : Charles Truman and Elizabeth H. Barney.
Ellen Byington Barney was an ideal New England woman,
wife and ihother. Endowed with an exceptionally bright mind,
cultured, pleasing in manner and appearance, during her life of
more than "three score years and ten," she developed a magnifi-
cent Christian character, blessing all, but especially dear to her
husband and children; and, having celebrated her golden wed-
ding a few months before, she "obtained an abundant entrance"
to the realm of eternal rest.
Elizabeth H. Barney taught in the schools of Chittenden
county seven years, and d. at the early age of 24 years at her
father's home in Jericho, Nov. 30, 1886, loved and mourned by
all who knew her.
Charles T. Barney was b. in Jericho, January 12, 1859; re-
ceived his early education in the public schools ; taught in them
several terms; and, while teaching, studied law in the office of
Hon. L. F. Wilbur, at Jericho ; then took the law course of Union
University, receiving his degree of LL. B. at Albany, N. Y., in
1883 ; the same year he was admitted to the Vermont Bar and to
the New York bar, and began the practice of law at Hoosick
Falls, N. Y., where he was City Attorney two terms. In 1886,
he resigned, to become General Attorney for the U. S. Wind
Engine & Pump Co., a manufacturing corporation, having its
large plant in one of the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, with
branch houses, agencies, and business throughout the civilized
world. After serving five years, he resigned, to take a similar
position with the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company.
Residing at Dallas, Texas, he had charge of its extensive business
in Texas, Louisiana, Indian Territory, New Mexico and Okla-
homa. While living in Texas, he m. Belle McCormick, daughter
of U. S. Circuit Judge A. P. McCormick. They have two daugh-
ters, Louise Elizabeth and Ellen Belle Barney. He returned to
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 371
Vermont in 1894, and engaged in the general practice of law
at Burlington. The Reports of the Decisions of the Vermont
Supreme Court record many of the important civil and criminal
cases in which he was counsel. As soon after the death of his
mother as he could arrange his business interests to leave Ver-
mont, he carried out the purpose, which he had cherished for
many years, to return to the activity of the great Southwest, and
located in the city of Ada, the County Seat of Pontotoc County,
Oklahoma, in the spring of 1908, shortly after Statehood came to
Oklahoma. Since that date, as a lawyer, banker and progressive
citizen, he has been fully identified with the rapid development
of that progressive young city, county and state.
Matthew Barney, son of Capt. Thomas Barney, m. Sophia
Adams, and lived and d. in New York. His widow and children
afterwards came to live at Jericho Comers. All are now dead
except his son and daughter, Rodney and Ann Barney. For many
years Rodney Barney was actively connected with the mills at
Jericho.
Of the large Barney family, b. and raised in Jericho, and
closely identified with its progress, Rodney and Anna Barney are
the only survivors, who bear the Barney name and now live at
Jericho.
Martin C. Barney, above mentioned, d. in 1886 at the age
of 84 years and is buried in the cemetery at Jericho. He was a
genial landlord and kept the hotel at Jericho for many years, whose
burning in 1904 removed a prominent landmark from Jericho
village. He m. Anna Maria Young. She was a woman of great
executive ability that made it possible to run their hotel with
success. She d. in 1873 at the age of 67 years. They had
two children: (1) Cornelia B., who m. Julius Ransom, and had
two children, Albert and Charles; and (2) Beulah S., who m.
Henry J. Parker and had one son, Ned.
Matthew Barney was b. in 1789 and d. in 1837, and his wife,
Sophia Adams, b. 1796, d. 1866.
Matthew L. Barney, the son of Truman, was b. in 1810 and d.
in 1864, and his wife, Lucia Severance, b. in 1810, d. in 1882.
Lucia Ann, their daughter m. Smith and they had one soij.
Matt. B., b. 1863, and d. 1901.
372 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Albert Barney, the son of Truman, was b. in 1815 and d.
in 1886. He m. Ellen, daughter of David Hutchinson of Jericho.
They had one child, Lucia, who m. Downing.
Martin T. Barney, the son of Matthew Barney and brother
of Rodney Barney, was b. in 1824 and d. in 1865. He m.
Minerva Butler, who d. in 1889 at the age of 63 years. They had
no children.
The said Rodney was b. in 1833 and his sister, Jane Ann,
was b. in 1836. They had a sister, Mabel Barney, who m. Smith
B. Hatch. She was b. 1820, and d. 1867 ; he was b. 1804 and d.
1881.
Truman B., d. at Ada, Okl., June 21, 1915, and was buried
at Jericho.
REV. SAMUEL HORACE BARNUM.
By C. H. Hayden.
Samuel Horace Barnum, was b. April 7, 1852 at West Spring-
field, Mass., being a son of Rev. Samuel W. and Charlotte (Betts)
Barnum. His father was a Congregational minister and author,
and a graduate of Yale, in the class of 1841.
Samuel Horace Barnum was educated in New Haven, Conn.,
graduating at Yale in 1875 and from Yale Theological Seminary
in 1879. He was ordained to the Christian (Congregational)
Ministry, April 25, 1883. He has been pastor at Salisbury and
Durham, N. H., and at Cornwall and Jericho Center, Vt.
Mr. Barnum hi. July 13, 1882, Miss S. Pauline Little, dau.
of Dea. Thos. D. and Susan Smith Little of Salisbury, N. H., a
graduate of New Hampton Institute in 1877.
To them have been b. six children : Charles G., b. at Durham,
N. H., Aug. 2, 1883, graduated at Middlebury College 1905 and
Yale Medical 1911, and is now practicing medicine in Groton,
Conn.
Walter L., b. Durham, N. H., Oct. 1, 1885, graduated at
Middlebury College in 1907. Has taught in Randolph, Vt., Con-
cord, N, H., Chicago and Evanston, 111., where he is holding a
position in the high school. He m. June 30, 1914, Miss Florence
D. Webster of Waltham, Mass., a teacher in Chicago. They have
a dau., Marion.
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 373
Alice W., b. in Durham, N. H., Nov. 24, 1888, graduated at
Middlebury College in 1912. She has taught in the high school
in Stowe, Vt., and is now for the third year the principal of Shel-
don High School.
Gertrude E., b. at Cornwall, Vt., Dec. 23, 1890, studied at
Mount Holyoke College two years, and was in her second year
at Teachers' College, N. Y., when she d., Feb. 17, 1914.
Clara P., b. at Cornwall, Vt., Nov. 13, 1894, and is taking a
course in Middlebury College.
Horace L., b. at Cornwall, Vt., Sept. 2, 1903, and is attending
grammar school at Jericho Center.
THE BARRETT AND MATTIMORE FAMILIES.
By S. H. Barnum.
Michael and Elizabeth (Breen) Barrett came from Ireland;
m. and lived in Underbill. Their children were :
(1) John, who lived in Underbill and d. a few years ago.
(2) Lizzie, who m. Moses Leary. They lived in town four
or five years after their marriage. Moses has d. and she has re-
sided here the last three years. Their children were :
(a) Michael, b. in Underbill, m. Mary O'Grady of Willis-
ton. They now live in Jericho and have 'two children: James and
Irene.
(b) Moses, b. in Jericho 1886 and lives in Burlington.
(c) Bessie, b. in Jericho 1888 and lives with Michael.
(3) Luke, lives in Shelburne.
(4) Michael, d. 1915 in Burlington.
(5) Mary, wife of James Fitzsimonds of Underbill.
(6) Patrick L., b. 1867 in Underbill, m. 1894 Mary Matti-
more, dau. of Barney B. and Mary (Eagan) Mattimore. She
was b. 1873. The children of Patrick and Mary have been :
(a) Loretta, b. 1895.
(b) Coletta, b. 1896. Is in U. V. M.
(c) Marcelline, b. 1898 and d. the same year.
(d) Izetta, b. 1900.
(e) Euretta, b. 1903.
Patrick L. came to town in 1894 and has been a school
teacher and farmer.
25
374 HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT.
Barney B. Mattimore's father, Patrick, came from Ireland
to Vermont. Barney B. was b. in Grand Isle 1835, and in 1865
m. Mary Eagan, who came from Ireland in 1845 at four years
of age. They came to Jericho in 1881 and lived here 27 years,
moving to Underbill in 1908 and thence to Essex. Their chil-
dren have been:
(a) Charles, b. 1866, d. 1875.
(b) Mary, b. 1873, m. Patrick L. Barrett. (See above).
(c) Nora, b. 1875 and d. in infancy.
(d) Augustine and Augusta, twins, b. 1878, the former now
in N. Y., the latter in Essex.
(e) Bernadette, b. 1884 and lives in Essex.
Barney B. Mattimore had a brother James, who m. Ellen
Howley and their son, Barney, b. 1878 at Milton, has lived in
town most of his life.
THE BARTLETT FAMILY.
By Sophia B. Harmon and L. F. Wilbur.
Billy Bartlett was b. 1769 and d. 1809. About 1794 he, his
wife Salina Blatchley, Capt. Ben Bartlett, Eben Bartlett, Mind-
well Bartlett, wife of Moses Billings, and the latter came from
Guilford, Conn., or thereabouts, and took up land in Jericho.
Billy Bartlett and his wife Salina Blatchley were m. in that,
same year in Connecticut, and to them were b. the following
children, viz. : Elias, b. Feb. 5, 1795, d. July 27, 1865 ; Joel B.,
b. Oct. 13, 1796; d. 1819; Maria, b. June 10, 1799, d. Oct. 26,
1853; Martin, b. August 19, 1801, d. ; Ann, b. Feb. 28,
1804, d. 1807; Mindwell, b. April 6, 1805, d. 1807; Mindwell Ann,
b. Dec. 26, 1808, d. .
Elias Bartlett m. March 14, 1822, Eliza Wheelock, who was
b. in Williamstown, Mass., April 22, 1801, and d. Nov. 9, 1860.
To them were b. five children, viz. : Lucinda, b. Dec. 3, 1822,
d. Nov. 12, 1884; Joel Blatchley, b. June 15, 1824, d. 1914 at
Shelburne ; Betsy Maria, b. Jaii. 12, 1826, d. Jan. 30, 1847 ; Homer
Lyman, b. Oct. 17, 1830, d. 1905; Edwin Wilcox, b. Dec. 10,
1839, d. Sept. 11, 1913. (See Physicians).
Elias Bartlett was a man who took a watchful interest
in the Congregational Church at the Center and his religious
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 375
views were strictly orthodox. Rev. Edwin Wheelock preached
there one Sabbath in exchange and Bartlett thought the sermon
was tinctured with too Hberal ideas. He met Mr. Wheelock
the next day and said to him, "You have come down here
and preached a Universalist sermon, and I want you to come
down again and preach an antidote to it." He was a man well
read and of a strong mind and an excellent citizen. He was
town clerk of the town of Jericho three years.
Martin Bartlett, the brother of Elias Bartlett, m. Nancy
Lee. They had no children and after her death he m. 2 Mrs.
Lucy (Barber) Bingham. He was a man of good ability and
did quite an extensive business in surveying land in Jericho
and the neighboring towns. He was an able farmer and lived
in the northern part of the village at Jericho Center.
Lucinda Bartlett m. Edgar A. Barney in 1843 and they
had seven children, viz. : Albert, George, Bessie, Homer, Annis,
Clara, and Charles.
Joel Blatchley Bartlett m. Asenath Taylor in 1854, and
they had a daughter, Sophia Asenath, b. in 1855 who m. Frank
Harmon of Shelbume in June, 1882.
Betsey Maria Bartlett m. Jesse Thompson in 1844 and to
them was b. Annie Eliza in 1845.
Homer Lyman Bartlett m. Maggie S. Scott in 1859 and
to them were b. five children, viz. : Harry, Eliza, James, Fred-
erick and Kate.
Edwin Wilcox Bartlett m. Helen F. Ball in 1874 and to
them were b. five children, viz. : Eliza, Mabel, Edwin, Ferdinand
and Walter.
Captain Ben Bartlett m. and his children were Eben,
Amanda, who m. Eli Peck, Delana, who m. John Chambers,
Chloe, who m. Joseph Hatch, and Christiana, who m. William
Rouse. (See Hatch Family).
Eben m. Polly Woodworth and they had several children,
William, Samuel and a daughter, who m. Zenas Nash, are
remembered. William m. Mahala , and their oldest
daughter, Catherine m. Charles Leclair, their 2nd daughter,
Delia m. , and their 3rd daughter m.
Edwin Tracy.
376 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
CARROLL LYNN BARTLETT.
By C. H. Hayden.
Carroll Lynn Bartlett, son of Earl and Brush Bartlett, was
b. in Cambridge, Vt., Jan. 3, 1876. He was m. Nov. 6, 1901 to
Clara Ann Burns, dau. of Royce D. and Edna L. Burns. She
was b. in Westford, Vt., Sept. 12, 1883. Their children are Edna
Maria b. Sept. 16, 1905, and Earl Royce, b. April 6, 1909. Mr.
and Mrs. Bartlett purchased the Edward Whitcomb farm Nov. 3,
1910, which they still own.
THE BASS FAMILY.
By Mary B. W. Day.
Josiah Bass and Harriet Newell Bass Whitcomb came to
Jericho in 1842. They trace their ancestry to Samuel Bass, who
emigrated from England and settled in Roxbury, Mass., about
1630, being one of the first settlers of Massachusetts Colony;
about 1640 he moved to Braintree, (now Quincy) Mass., was
there chosen the first deacon of the church, which office he held
for about 50 years. In 1641 and subsequently, he represented the
town in the state legislature twelve years. Dea. Bass had a
strong and vigorous mind, and was one of the leading men in
town for many years. He d. Jan. 10, 1695, aged 94; his wife,
Anna, d. Sept. 16, 1693, aged 93.
John, son of Samuel, b. about 1632, m. Dec. 14, 1657,
Ruth, dau. of John Alden of Duxbury, Mass., who came over
in the Mayflower, d. Sept. 23, 1716. From his two eldest
sons, John and Samuel, sprang the different families of Bass
that have lived in Vermont. From the time of the first Samuel
Bass, 1640, until nearly the present, there has been a Samuel in
direct line of descent.
Note.— John and Ruth (Alden) Bass had seven children
whose posterity in part it may be interesting to trace: 1, John,
Jr., is the ancestor of Samuel and Edward Bass; 2, Samuel, of
Jonathan Bass; 3, Ruth; 4, Joseph of the Right Rev. Edward
Bass, D. D., who d. Sept. 10, 1803 ; 5, Hannah, of John Adams
and John Quincy Adams, two Presidents of the U. S. ; 6, Mary,
HISTORY OF JERICHO. VERMONT. 377
of Zion and Willard Copeland; 7, Sarah, of Dr. Samuel Thayer
(of Burlington) and Samuel Belcher.
The above note and all the earlier dates are taken from
the History of the Town of Braintree, Vt., to which so many of
the early Vermont settlers came from Massachusetts, compiled
34 years ago at their one hundredth anniversary of the town.
Samuel Bass, Jr., was b. in Braintree, Mass., Jan. 2, 1777,
m. Apr. 29, 1802, Polly Belcher, b. in Randolph, Mass., Apr.
29, 1785, and d. Jan. 2, 1864 ; he d. Nov. 24, 1850. They spent
their winters in Jericho with their children as long as they
lived, and were devout Christians, not only by precept, but by
example in the old Puritan ideas of right living. Sunday after-
noons they gathered about the grandmother to hear her tell in
her interesting way Bible stories.
Their children were Samuel 3d, b. Dec. 15, 1805, m. Mar-
garet Parker Oct. 17, 1862 ; children of this marriage, Samuel 4th
and Joseph Parker. When their mother d. she left the two little
boys. Joseph P. spent much time with his relatives in Jericho
until he went into business in Lowell, Mass., and after that
his vacations were generally spent in sight of old Mansfield. Since
his marriage to Mary March of Bangor, Maine, his home has
been in that city. He has for many years been the owner of
the Bangor Whig, and more than once mayor of the city. Once
when he was mayor, he being a staunch Democrat, turned a polit-
ical trick upon the Republican party, which was told all over
the country. It was a turn you would hardly expect from a
Jericho boy, but it shows that a Jericho boy, if he has sufficient
self-respect, need not be ignored. The Republican Club had in-
vited President Grant to come to Bangor, visit their club, and
make a speech, and a great feast was prepared, but a mistake
was made in ignoring the mayor, since he was a Democrat, but
which the mayor did not consider a respectful way for a city
to treat their chosen official. The great day dawned beautiful
and bright, and a row of carriages was waiting at the sta-
tion to escort the great hero of the Civil War and now Presi-
dent. At the order of the mayor a cordon of police was drawn
up at the station which no one but the mayor was allowed to
brecik through. When the train stopped Grant was seen to
step out and great cheering went up, but instead of escorting
378 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
the General and President into the waiting arms of the Repub-
lican party, he was escorted to the waiting barouche of the
Mayor and immediately driven off with Mr. Bass's personal
friends following in carriages. They drove until time for din-
ner, when instead of going to the Republican Club, a sumptu-
ous feast was in readiness at the home of the Jericho boy,
and speech making and jollity were the order of the day until
train time. The great man was then hurried just in time into the
station to take his train. That is how J. P. Bass, a once Jericho
boy, stole the President. But Bangor long since forgave him,
and he has lately given a beautiful park to the city, considered
worth over twenty-five thousand dollars. This story is told to
inspire Jericho boys to avoid a too prominent back seat.
Jonathan, the 2nd son of Samuel, Jr., b. Dec. 26, 1807,
spent the greater part of his life in Buffalo. His two sons, Saville
and Lyman, graduated at the head of their class at Harvard,
the former 1st and the latter 2nd. The former lived but a year
or two after graduation, a victim of tuberculosis. Lyman K.,
twice represented his district in Congress, and was the senior
partner of the law firm of Bass & Cleveland, from which Presi-
dent Cleveland was chosen.
Josiah, b. in Brookfield, Dec. 15, 1818, m. Jan. 8, 1841,
Mary A. Whitcomb and resided in Jericho from 1842 until
about 28 years ago, when he moved with his family to Minne-
apolis, Minn. They owned and resided for about 20 years on
what is known as the Kingsbury farm. Josiah Bass was for
many years deacon of the Congregational Church. Their eldest
son, Henry J., left school when only seventeen years of age,
and enlisted in the 2d Vt. Regiment. He was large of his age
and strong, and was a brave soldier, who in the heat of battle
forgot self and caution, and recklessly stood and fired for two
or three other soldiers to reload who were lying on the ground.
He was warned about taking such a terrible risk, but could not
be dissuaded. He died a victim of a Confederate sharp shooter's
bullet at the Battle of the Wilderness, and his burial was with
the many others who gave their all as he did in the great Civil
War.
Hamlet, the 2nd son of Josiah, m. the daughter of one of
our U. S. Ambassadors to Germany and lives in Bangor, Me.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT^ 379
Clarence, a 3d son, died of brain fever, a victim of a bully
at school, when only eight years of age. The big boy thought
it smart and manly to repeatedly lift the little boy by his hair
high into the air. He lived only a few days, and his untimely
death was a terrible blow to his parents, and all who knew the
amiable child.
Osmond, the 4th son, is an accomplished musician and
leader of boy choirs in Minneapolis. He has studied abroad to
perfect himself in his profession.
The 5th son, Dr. Willis G., m. Nellie, dau. of Arthur Castle
of Jericho. They still live in Minneapolis where Dr. Bass is a
practicing physician.
Harriet N. Bass, dau. of Samuel, Jr., b. in Brookfield, Vt.,
June 8, 1820, m. Edward S. Whitcomb of Jericho. They lived
on the farm bought in 1844 until the time of their death. They'
spent a few years in California and New York when business
called them, but were always glad to come back to the old
farm, especially in summer time.
Harriet Bass Whitcomb was a genial woman and loved to
repeat the stories her grandfather used to tell her while sitting
on his knee. He was a fine singer and told her how Pres. John
Adams used to attend his classes at the time he was courting the
woman he afterward m. She was the dau. of a minister, who
did not fully approve of the young man, fearing he would not
make a suitable living for his dau., and when he used to come
courting his horse wasn't stabled or John feasted as the sister's
lover had been, and the brothers cut up all manner of pranks
to dissuade the young lover, such as turning the saddle and
cutting the lines, etc. But the young people were not to be
thus discouraged, and the young barrister finally won out, and
the minister told his Abigail that she could choose her own text
for the sermon to be pleached the Sunday the bans were pro-
claimed, and she chose the following : Luke 7, 34 and 33 :
"The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say be-
hold a gluttonous man, and a wine bibber." 33d: "John came
neither eating bread, or drinking wine; and ye say. He hath a
devil"
Abigail when she went to Washington as the wife of the
President. John Adams, it is said made and took with her her own
380 HISTO-RY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
cider apple sauce and soft soap in making which she was very
proficient. Let it be borne in mind that such things as perfumed
toilet soaps and canned fruits and confections were not for the
use of even the President of the U. S. A. in those days.
She remembered her mother telling, that when she was a
little girl, her mother came home from visiting at her Aunt
Hitty's and saying, "Aunt Hitty had some potatoes for tea,
roasted in the ashes, and they tasted very good." That was
the first that they had been used for the table according to her
grandmother's knowledge. She remembered her mother telling
of picking barberries with other children to be made into candles
for the officers' camps in the War of 1812. Her practical
stories were many, which perhaps will interest the young ladies
of the present day. A rich nobleman was looking for a wife, and
one with a large store of patience was what he required in who-
ever he should marry, so in order to make sure of the quantity
and quality he snarled a skein of silk into an almost inextricable
tangle, and first of all, asked the ladies he most admired one after
another, as it was given up as hopeless. Finally a modest un-
assuming girl was found who patiently worked at the tangle until
it was straightened. Of course since this was a test she was the
chosen bride. For Harriet Bass Whitcomb's descendants, see
record of Whitcomb family.
THE BATCHELDER FAMILY.
By C. H. Hayden.
George William Batchelder, son of George Washington and
Lucretia Mack Batchelder, was b. in Plainfield, Vt., Sept. 16,
1841, m. 1 Laura Hull in 1865. Two children were b. to them:
John Travis, b. Dec. 1868, and d. at the age of eight years.
Lucia, b. Feb., 1871, who m. Prof. JuHus S. Sturtevant, to
whom were b. two children, Ralph and Ruth. Mrs. Sturtevant
d. Sept. 1, 1910. Mrs. Laura Batchelder is also dead.
George William Batchelder m. 2 Flora Davis, dau. of Myron
Davis of Johnson, Vt.
Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder moved from Underbill to Jericho
in 1904. Mr. Batchelder did excellent service as a soldier in the
War of the Rebellion, being in the fierce battle of Gettysburg.
Mr. Batchelder's great-grandfather came from England.
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 381
THE BATES AND HODGES FAMILIES.
By Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Bates and L. F. Wilbur.
Hiram Elbert Bates, the son of Elihu and Nancy (Pierce)
Bates, was b. in 1849 at Richmond, Vt. He m. Lillian Mary
Hodges Nov. 21, 1876. She was b. in 1854 at Richmond, Vt.
They have one child, Blanche Hodges, b. in 1880, at Essex Junc-
tion, Vt. She m. Charles Bell and they have one child, Russell.
The father of Lillian Mary Hodges was Julius Clark
Hodges, the son of George Hodges. Julius Clark was b. in
1824, and m. Almira Susannah, the daughter of Pelatiah and
Sally (Proctor) Russell, b. in 1825 at Richmond. Julius Clark
and Almira Hodges had ten children, viz. :
(1) Alice Johannah, b. in 1844.
(2) Sarah Frances, b. in 1848, who m. Edward Barnum.
(3) Fred Russell, b. in 1850.
(4) Lillian Mary, b. in 1854, who m. Hiram E. Bates in
1876.
(5) George Leonard, b. in 1858.
(6) Addie Julia, b. in 1860.
(7) Jennie Louisa, b. in 1862, who m. Howard Willey.
(8) Henry Clay, b. in 1864.
(9) Laura Blanche, b. in 1865.
(10) A baby, b. in 1871, who d. in 1873.
Hiram E. Bates is a farmer and a lumber dealer and has
operated a saw mill in the south part of the town for many years.
He is an active business man. These families were Universalists
in their religious belief.
BENEDICT FAMILY.
By C. H. Hayden.
Moses Benedict and his wife, Lois Pratt with five children
came from Bridgeport, Conn, about 1780, and settled at Underbill
Flats, probably on the land just west of Dr. A. F. Burdick's
residence, now owned by H. L. Murdock. The oldest inhabitants
think that Moses Benedict built a portion of this house after his
arrival. Here was b. the subject of our sketch, Dr. H. G. Bene-
dict, Mar. 29, 1808, the sixth child of Moses and Lois Benedict.
382 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
The Benedicts moved later to the present residence of George
H. Benedict. Dr. Benedict studied medicine with Dr. Burroughs
and in 1840 graduated at Castleton Medical College. He m.
Delana Hurlburt, oldest child of Weight Hurlburt, a soldier of
the War of 1812. To them were b. five children :
(1) Addison, a lawyer who was b. Sept. 20, 1840, and d.
Nov. 28, 1912. He m. Frank Sherman. Their oldest child, Guy
W., b. June 10, 1870, m. Clara Mason and they have had four
girls, Bessie, Mary, Marjory and Marion. The second child of
Addison and Frank Benedict was Bessie, who lived only about
two years.
(2) Maria was b. Feb. 25, 1842, and m. George La Sell,
Mar. 16, 1877.
(3) Marion S., who was b. Aug. 10, 1844, and d. Nov. 27,
1908. She m. William Burroughs.
(4) Wait M. was b. June 3,, 1846, m. Isabel Stevens. They
have two children, Mabel, who m. Samuel Tilden and they have
two children, Marion and Samuel, Jr. Berton S. is the second
child of Wait and Isabel Benedict.
(5) George H., who at times has been a resident of Jer-
icho, was b. Sept. 17, 1849, and m. Alice Humphrey. They have
had two children, Amia, b. Mar. 19, 1888, and d. June 10, 1914,
and Ada, who was b. Sept. 20, 1900.
THE BENHAM FAMILY.
By Minnie (Benham) Walton.
John Benham and his sons, John and Joseph, came from
Plymouth, Eng., in the ship "Mary and John" and landed at Nan-
tasket near Boston, Mass., on May 30, 1630.
They settled at Dorchester, now South Boston, and were
allotted land among the original proprietors. John, Jr., was a
brick maker and town crier, and belonged to the Old South
Church of Boston. In 1638 he joined the Eaton and Davenport
Colony and was mentioned among the seventy original families
who colonized New Haven, Conn. John, Sr., d. in 1661. From
Connecticut the Benhams scattered in every direction, many
of them soon achieving distinction in civil and military affairs.
Some have been prominent in the army and navy, some in literary
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 383
circles, while some have been ministers of the gospel. David
Benham was a bishop in England as early as 1246 A. D., while
many of the names are enrolled in the British navy and figured in
civil life in London and surrounding counties.
Isaac Benham was of the 7th generation from John, Sr. ;
(Isaac of the 6th, Ebenezer of the 5th, Ebenezer of the 4th, John
of the 3rd, John of the 2nd, and John of the 1st generation).
Isaac of the 7th generation was b. Oct. 21, 1760, and m. June
3rd, 1784, at Salisbury, Conn., Thankful, daughter of Peter and
Thankful Reid. She was b. in Salisbury, Conn., June 17, 1763.
They removed to Genesee Co., N. Y., and afterwards to Jericho,
Vt., about 1796. She came on horseback. The country was
primeval forest at that time with no roads. People nearly always
travelled on horseback. The way was known by trees. Isaac
came a year before his family and made ready for them. I have
heard my grandfather tell how his father built his chimney of
clay and sticks, and when it got on fire he used a squirt gun to
put it out. They used to draw logs into the house, with a horse,
for use in the big fireplace. There was always a large log called
a "back log," then smaller ones on the andirons. There were no
matches in those days, and when the fire went out, as it some-
times did, the children had to take a covered dish with a handle
on it and go to the neighbors for coals. They also went to the
neighbors for yeast made from potatoes, with which to make
bread whenever they neglected to save enough to start new. Their
lights were tallow dips which they made themselves. The boys
used to go barefooted much of the time. I have heard them tell
how they used to warm pieces of wood before the fire to stand
on while chopping wood.
The town records show that Isaac Benham sold land in town
Oct. 29, 1801, and on Sept. 25, 1801 he bought of a Mr. Rood
Lot 72, comprising fifty-six acres of land right of Benjamin
Miggins. He sold lot 60 to Jubilee A. Hulburt and Thankful
Benham. He was a mechanic and could turn his hand to almost
anything, as is shown by the varied trades in which he was pro-
ficient. He was tailor, surveyor and blacksmith. People came
from far and near for help and advice. He was a large, portly
man and dressed in blue broadcloth, knee breeches, low shoes
with buckles, long stockings and carried a fine gold fob chain. He
384 HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT.
was vigorous, honest and upright, a staunch supporter of the
Congregational Church at Jericho Center. He built the house in
the south district in the southern part of the town formerly owned
by a Mr. Stockwell. He was a Revolutionary soldier of Water-
bury, Conn., and was lieutenant in 1776 in Col. Baldwin's 10th
Regiment of militia. He was in the 5th Connecticut Regiment
from July 1st to Dec. 8th, 1780.
Thankful Benham was a great worker in spinning, weaving
and knitting. Some of her work has been preserved to this day.
Many stories have been told of her skill in culinary matters and
of her shrewdness and sense of humor. She was kindhearted and
very domestic. In later years she wore a silk handkerchief crossed
over her breast and always carried knitting sheath. Her mother
spent the last years of her life with her and d. at the ripe age of
90 years. Isaac and Thankful lived together seventy years, and
both died of old age. He d. Dec. 7, 1853 and she d. Nov. 27,
1853. Their children were, viz. :
(1) Clarissa, b. Mar. 10, 1785 ; d. Feb. 14, 1868.
(2) John, b. Dec. 25, 1786; m. Sarah Hoskins and d. Mar.
18, 1875.
(3) Smith, b, Sept. 25, 1789; m. ; d. .
about 1876, and is buried at Williston, Vt.
(4) Silas, b. May 10, 1791 ; d. April 29, 1867.
(5) Philander, b. Mar. 28, 1793 ; d. Oct. 14, 1836.
(6) Hannah, b. Feb. 21, 1807.
Deacon John (8) son of Isaac and Thankful (Reid) Benham,
was b. Dec. 26, 1786, in New York or Connecticut. He came to
Jericho when he was nine years old. He m. Sarah, daughter of
Nathan and Sarah (Oakes) Hoskins, b. Mar. 13, 1790 and who d.
Mar. 2, 1865. They lived with his father one year after they were
m., then bought the place since owned by Collins H. Nash, and
then traded with a Mr. Richardson for the place later owned
by his son, Nathan, and now owned by the great grandson, Har-
lan Hall. The original house on the last mentioned farm was built
by a Mr. Skinner when the farm was owned by Palmer Richard-
son. The house was remodelled by Nathan Benham to its present
condition. For a few years they lived on a farm adjoining, but
in the last years of their life made their home with their son,
Nathan. Deacon John was a member of the Baptist Church at
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. 383'
Jericho Corners. He had a most amiable disposition which made
him loved by all who came in contact with him. He was called "a
faultless man" by those who knew him best. He was a soldier of
1812. He had a soldier's grant of land in the Elkhorn Valley, Neb.
His wife was "Aunt Sally" to every one. She had the ability to
overcome all obstacles when she undertook to do anything.
Their children were : Isaac L., b. Jan. 12, 1813 ; m. Valencia
Lane Mar. 23, 1837, who was b. Mar. 21, 1813, at Jericho, Vt..
She d. at Morley, Mo., Nov. 14, 1871, and is buried in Grant Co.,
Wis. He d. near Morley Jan. 27, 1874. They had one child,
Laura, who m. a Mr. Watson and had three children, William,
George and a son who d. unm.
Nathan, son of Deacon John and Sarah (Hoskins) Benham,
was b. Oct. 14, 1816. He was m. Aug. 26, 1840 and d. April 7,
1890. He m. Catherine Augusta, daughter of J. Stephen and
Dulcena (Vincent) Manwell of Richmond, but lived near the
Jericho line. She was b. Nov. 13, 1818. Nathan was selectman
during the War of the Rebellion of 1861 and did much of the
work in enlisting soldiers for the service in that war. He held
many of the town offices. He owned the farm (where he lived
till his death) that was purchased by his father, Deacon John. He
and his good wife were supporters of the Congregational Church
at Jericho Center. He was part owner of the Millbrook Cheese
Factory, and later was interested in the creamery in that locality.
Mrs. Benham was a beautiful character, gentle, kind and true.
Every one who knew her respected and loved her. Their children
were, viz.: (1) Stephen, b. April 8, 1842; d. June 2, 1849; (2)
Edward Eugene, b. Aug. 4, 1843 ; m. Carrie A. Mason, who was
b. July 12, 1847; lived a few years in Jericho, and then moved
to Brookfield, Vt., where he bought a farm and raised a family
of four daughters and one son. (3) Sarah Jane, b. Nov. 4, 1847;
m. Dec. 29, 1868 Heman W. Rice, and lived in Westford, Vt., on
a^ large farm. R,etiring they moved to Essex Junction where she
d. in 1907. Heman m. (2) Mrs. Herrick. (4) John Stephen, b.
July 26, 1849; m. Ellen M. Chase. She was b. in 1853. They live
in Milton, Vt. He was a druggist, but his health failed and he be-
came a travelling salesman. They have two children and both are
living in Milton, Vt. (5) Catherine Dulcena, b. July 8, 1853 ; m.
Aug. 12, 1887, Henry Burr Hall, who was b. Feb. 22, 1856. He
386 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
bought the Benham farm and lived there until they sold it to their
son, Harlan Page Hall, who now lives there. Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Burr Hall now live in Burlington, where he has been employed
as superintendent of the State Forestry Bureau. (6) Minnie Belle,
b. July 11, 1863 ; m. April 28, 1885, George Bostwick, son of Sam-
uel M. and Mary C. (Bostwick) Walton of Montpelier, Vt., b.
Mar. 12, 1861. They reside at Montpelier. They have two sons :
Benham and Harold Frederick.
THE BENTLEY FAMILY.
By L. F. Wilbur and Wilson A. Bentley.
Shelly Bentley came to this state from Wells, Conn., and to
the town of Jericho before the year 1800, and settled on Millbrook
in the southeast part of the town, on the place now known as the
Hubbel B. Smith farm. At first he built and lived in a log house
on said farm when that part of the town was almost an entire
wilderness. He was b. in 1795 and m. Abigail Stevens. She
was b. in 1804 in Jericho. Her father was Roger Stevens who
served three years as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Their
children were, viz.: Reuben, b. 1826; Julia, b. 1828; Thomas E.,
b. 1830; Emma, b. 1833; Mary, b. 1836, and Amos Wilson, b.
1840.
(1) Reuben d. 1840.
(2) Julia m. Kingsbury Hatch and they had one child,
Valora, who m. John Jones of Bolton. Both, are dead.
(3) Thomas E. d. 1887. He m. Fanny Colton, and they
had two children, Charles F. and Wilson Alwyn. Charles F. b. in
1863 ; m. Mary Blood in 1884. She was b. in 1870. They have eight
children : Alric, b. in 1886; Agnes, b. in 1888; Arthur, b. in 1891 ;
Alice, b. in 1893 ; Archie, b. in 1896; Amy, b. in 1899; Anna, b. in
1901 ; Alwyn, b. in 1905. Wilson Alwyn Bentley, b. in 1865, has
always lived in Jericho and now owns and lives on the old Andrew
Warner farm.
Jericho, Vt., has one industry, if such it may be called, that
gives it a unique place and that has carried the name of the town
HISTORY OP JERICHO, VERMONT. 387
all over the world. The snow crystals photographed in Jericho by
Wilson A. Bentley have become world famous. There is perhaps
no university of note in the world which has not photographs of
these crystals, or reproductions of them in text-books or in some
form. The marvelous beauty and symmetry of these snow forms,
and the many articles Mr. Bentley and others have written about
them in the magazines, newspapers, books, etc., have brought this
about. Mr. Bentley began the study and drawing of snow crys-
tals while yet in his "teens," and first began taking photomicro-
graphs of them in his 20th year, (1885). These studies, photo-
graphic and otherwise, of snow crystals, frost and ice crystals,
dew, clouds and other water forms, have been enthusiastically
carried on ever since, over a period of now nearly 30 years.
Over 2,000 photomicrographs of snow alone, and nearly as many
of other water forms have been secured, making a collection of
marvelous and unrivalled beauty and interest. Mr. Bentley has
both written and lectured about them. Among his more important
articles are these : "Snow" and "Frost" in Encyclopaedia Ameri-
cana; articles in Popular Science Monthly, May, 1898; Harper's
Magazine, Dec, 1901; Technical World Magazine, Mar., 1910;
"Knowledge" Magazine, Jan., 1912, London, England; article
in Christian Herald and two papers published by the Weather
Bureau, entitled "Studies of Snow Crystals, Winter 1901-1902,"
250 illustrations; "Studies of Fiost and Ice Crystals," 275 illus-
trations.
Each number of the "American Annual of Photography,"
1904-1913 inclusive, also contains an illustrated article by Mr.
Bentley. The uses of these snow forms in the realms of art, and
in industry are continually broadening. Jewelers, metal workers,
silk manufacturers, art-craft shops, etc., find these beautiful
designs useful in their work.
Mr. Bentley has had many invitations to join learned so-
cieties, both at home and abroad, but he has denied himself these
pleasures that he might have more funds to carry on his beautiful
studies. Biographical sketches of Wilson A. Bentley may be
found in "Who's Who In America"; "The International Who's
Who," "American Blue Book of Biography," a German "Who's
Who" and other biographical works.
388 HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
THE SAMUEL BENTLEY FAMILY.
By S. H. Barnum.
Samuel Bentley, distantly related to Shelly Bentley, lived
a part of his life and d. in Cambridge, but lived a number of
years where William Millham recently resided. He had six
children: Lyman, Elisha, Erastus, Mabel, Aura and Almira, of
whom Lyman, Erastus and Aura lived in this town, and all are
now d.
(1) Lyman, b. about 1803, m. Huldah Woodruff. He d.
1873. They had two children both b. in Jericho: (a) Eliza, b.
1836, m. Trumbull Lee in 1856. They had four children : (aa)
Idella, b. 1857 in Jericho, m. James Burgess and they have three
children : James, Idella and Edna. They live in Bad Axe, Mich,
(bb) Albert, b. 1865 in Jericho, m. Elizabeth Davis of Mo. They
have three children: Edna, John and . (cc) WilUs, b. in
Mich., is m., and (dd) Homer who d. when three years old. (See
Addition to the Lee family).
(b) Alma, b. 1839, m. in 1870, David Miles Ransom who_
d. in 1895. One child Mary, m. Lewis B. Howard. Alma m.
in 1896 Wilson Whitmarsh, who d. 1908. (See Ransom and
Whitmarsh families).
(2) Erastus, m. Jane GriiBn, and lived where S. M. Pack-
ard now lives. They had seven children : Loren, Zalmon who
lives' in Grand Isle Co., Mary, Samuel, Emma, Lottie and Lillie.
Emma and Lottie are d., and four others live in New Bedford,
Mass., where Erastus d.
(3) Aura, m. Harry Wilder. (See Wilder f